Cuba faces a prolonged power crisis as millions remain without electricity for three days amid failed restoration efforts and the impending arrival of Hurricane Oscar, which threatens to exacerbate existing problems with the aging power infrastructure.
Millions of citizens in Cuba have experienced power outages for three consecutive days as efforts to restore electricity failed once again. According to the Cuban Electrical Union, only 16% of the population had electricity restored before the country’s aging power grid collapsed late Saturday. The electricity disruptions have been widespread, impacting the majority of the nation which has a population of approximately 10 million. This crisis is poised to worsen with the imminent arrival of Hurricane Oscar, expected to make landfall on Cuba’s northeastern coast later today, bringing severe winds and heavy surf, as warned by meteorologists. The hurricane had previously impacted Inagua Island in The Bahamas with winds reaching 80 mph.
This recent blackout in Cuba is the third significant collapse of the country’s energy grid since Friday, initiated by a major power plant’s failure. The ongoing blackouts have severe implications for water supply, food preservation, and public health. Amidst the deteriorating situation, citizens have turned to social media platforms like WhatsApp to communicate about power statuses and to share resources such as medication storage among those fortunate enough to have access to electricity intermittently. The situation is compounded by grievances over the lack of support from traditional allies who have historically supplied fuel resources.
In summary, the current power crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by the approach of Hurricane Oscar, has left millions of citizens without reliable electricity, impacting daily life and creating significant challenges for the nation’s infrastructure. Authorities have cited a combination of factors, including economic sanctions and deteriorating infrastructure, as contributors to the energy crisis. As the situation develops, the difficulties faced by the Cuban population are likely to escalate.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
