Cuba’s capital, Havana, is facing a major crisis as the island grapples with a massive blackout for the fourth consecutive night following the landfall of Hurricane Oscar. The storm, which hit the eastern coast of Cuba as a tropical storm, has caused widespread devastation, leaving at least six people dead and triggering small protests in various urban neighborhoods.
Protesters have taken to the streets, banging pots and pans, and blocking roads with garbage in response to the lack of water and electricity. The Cuban government, known for its low tolerance for civil disobedience, has warned against any form of unrest, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasizing the need to maintain public order.
This blackout is just the latest in a series of energy problems plaguing Cuba, which have led to the largest protests in nearly 30 years. The country is facing a deep economic crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing exodus of hundreds of thousands of Cubans to the U.S. and Europe. While the Cuban government blames the U.S. trade embargo for its economic woes, the White House has pointed to the government’s mismanagement of resources as a primary factor.
Despite efforts to restore power, many residents remain skeptical about the government’s ability to address the ongoing crisis. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy has promised more reliable electricity in the coming days, but the impact of Hurricane Oscar on the power grid remains a concern.
In the meantime, Havana’s residents are facing food shortages and limited access to essential services. The failure of the Antonio Guiteras plant has further complicated the situation, leaving many without electricity for days. The government has implemented emergency measures to reduce electricity demand, including suspending classes and shutting down state-owned facilities.
As Cuba struggles to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Oscar and the ongoing blackout, international aid offers from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Russia may provide some relief. However, the road to recovery remains uncertain, and the people of Cuba are bracing themselves for more challenges in the days ahead.
