Cuba experienced another nationwide blackout on Saturday morning, following an initial restoration of power. The Cuba Electrical Union reported the total outage on their official Telegram channel and stated that efforts were being made to restore power. Although some areas had regained power temporarily, many people took to social media to express their frustration as the power flickered out again.
The recurring blackouts have caused a deepening crisis in the communist-run nation, as the lack of power also means no running water and the risk of food spoilage due to refrigeration failure. Millions of people have been left without electricity in recent days due to the frequent breakdowns in the aging Cuban electrical grid.
The latest blackout was a result of a major power plant failure on Friday, leading to the island-wide shutdown of the electrical grid. Cuban officials attributed the series of blackouts to a combination of factors, including increased US economic sanctions, disruptions from recent hurricanes, and the poor state of the country’s infrastructure.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz acknowledged the challenges in providing power to the population, noting that economic activities had to be halted to prioritize electricity for essential services. Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda assured that health facilities were operating on generators to ensure the continuation of vital services.
In the capital city of Havana, the effects of the blackout were evident as streets remained dark without functioning street lights and limited police presence for traffic control. With generators being a luxury for most residents, only a few could be heard running in the city. Schools canceled classes, nightclubs closed, and energy-saving measures were implemented to conserve power during the crisis.
As Cuba grapples with the ongoing energy crisis, the government is working to restore power and address the challenges posed by the frequent blackouts. The resilience of the Cuban people is being tested as they navigate the disruptions caused by the power outages and adapt to the measures put in place to conserve energy. The situation highlights the importance of a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure in ensuring the well-being of the population.
