Cuba experienced two collapses of its electrical grid in 24 hours, leaving most of the island in the dark. As power was being restored, a second collapse occurred, causing concern across the country. In the midst of repairs, a hurricane watch was issued for some provinces as Hurricane Oscar formed off the coast.
Many in Havana were struggling with food shortages and spoiled food due to the blackout. Some stores were operating without power, while others used generators. The government opened an open-air market in one neighborhood to provide agricultural products to residents.
The chronic power outages in Cuba have been blamed on the country’s aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and increasing energy demand. The government has also cited the U.S. embargo on Cuba for hindering the importation of necessary parts. President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the embargo for the lack of fuel and hard currency needed to address the power issues.
Cuba’s economic crisis, exacerbated by tightened U.S. sanctions and the impact of the pandemic on tourism, has led to shortages in food, medicine, water, and fuel. The country has seen a significant decrease in oil supply from allies like Venezuela. This economic crisis has triggered mass migration, with over one million people fleeing the island between 2022 and 2023.
Cuban officials have called for the removal of the U.S. embargo to help address the country’s energy issues and economic crisis.
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