Cuba Faces Ongoing Power Outages as Hurricane Oscar Approaches

Cuban residents face their third day without electricity as Hurricane Oscar approaches. The energy crisis, exacerbated by power plant failures and an aging electrical grid, has created severe challenges for the population, leading to shortages of essential goods and services. Protests have erupted while the government struggles to restore power amid worsening conditions.

As Hurricane Oscar approaches eastern Cuba, millions of Cubans face their third consecutive day without power following failures in the nation’s aging electrical grid. According to the Cuban Electrical Union, approximately 16% of the nation experienced a temporary restoration of power; however, the grid became overloaded again, leading to further outages. This incident represents the third total collapse of the energy system since Friday, leaving the majority of the country’s ten million residents without power. The anticipated arrival of Hurricane Oscar adds to the urgency of recovery efforts, as forecasters predict heavy winds and coastal surf. After making landfall on Inagua Island in The Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, the hurricane is expected to reach northeastern Cuba later on Sunday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that while weakening is likely after landfall, Oscar could maintain tropical storm status as it moves north of Cuba into the central Bahamas on Tuesday. Cuba’s energy crisis ignited Friday when a significant power plant malfunctioned, initiating the widespread blackout. Despite initial reports of power restoration, the country encountered another major blackout on Saturday morning. These persistent outages jeopardize essential services, including the water supply and food preservation. In urban centers such as Havana, residents endured lengthy queues for basic necessities, particularly bread, which was in short supply. Frustration mounted as some individuals claimed they had been unfairly skipped in line. Amidst uncertainty, citizens utilized social media platforms such as WhatsApp to share updates on electricity restoration and assist one another in storing medications. Tourists continued to navigate the streets of Havana in vintage automobiles, although many hotels faced challenges as backup generators ran low on fuel; the main international airport operated on emergency power, affecting ticketing and air conditioning. Two minor protests were reported overnight, alongside videos depicting incidents elsewhere in the capital. Government officials attribute the current energy crisis to a combination of factors, including intensified U.S. sanctions, interruptions from recent hurricanes, and widespread infrastructure issues. In a recent televised address, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz acknowledged the severe situation, stating, “We have been paralyzing economic activity to generate (power) to the population.” The nation’s health minister also confirmed that health facilities are relying on generators to continue providing essential services to the public.

Cuba has been grappling with a fragile energy infrastructure that is exacerbated by various factors, including economic sanctions and the impact of severe weather events like hurricanes. The recent failure of a major power plant has highlighted the deficiencies in the energy grid, which has suffered multiple outages in quick succession. The multi-faceted crisis not only affects residential electricity but also disrupts essential services, creating a significant humanitarian issue. The government has been forced to resort to extreme measures, such as curtailing economic activities to prioritize energy generation for the population. The onset of Hurricane Oscar threatens to compound existing challenges by hindering recovery efforts and further straining the already vulnerable infrastructure.

The current situation in Cuba is dire, with millions lacking power for an extended period while Hurricane Oscar approaches the island. This has raised concerns about the implications for public health, food security, and social stability as citizens face shortages and increasing frustration. As Cuban officials continue to address the energy crisis, the combination of deteriorating infrastructure and external pressures, including sanctions, underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms.

Original Source: www.cnn.com