Electricity went out across the entire island of Cuba, affecting its population of 10 million people after a main power plant failed. The government attempted to conserve energy earlier in the day by closing schools and having state workers stay home, but eventually the largest power plant went offline, causing a grid failure. Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, stated that they are working to solve the issue with “absolute priority.”
The country has been facing rolling blackouts for months, with some provinces experiencing power outages lasting up to 12 hours. The prime minister blames deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increased demand for electricity as factors contributing to the ongoing blackouts. The limited supply of oil, due to decreased shipments from allies like Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, has also played a role in the crisis.
Residents in Havana expressed concern over the situation, with some fearing the crisis may get worse. The impact of the U.S. embargo, increased sanctions under former President Donald Trump, and the pandemic-related decline in tourism have exacerbated Cuba’s economic struggles. Shortages in food, medicine, and fuel have already made life difficult for the average Cuban. The government is working to address the electricity crisis, but the timeline for restoring power remains uncertain.
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