Cuba is grappling with a significant power crisis that has left millions without electricity for three consecutive days.
Following multiple failures of the electric grid, restoration efforts are ongoing, with Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levi indicating that full power restoration might be achieved by Tuesday.
However, he cautioned that blackouts could persist due to ongoing fuel shortages.
The crisis has escalated further with Hurricane Oscar making landfall, threatening to disrupt repair efforts amid already strained resources.
The widespread blackout began on Friday, plunging Cuba’s population of 10 million into darkness.
While technicians have worked tirelessly to address the failures, subsequent collapses occurred over the weekend, complicating the recovery process.
Minister Levi attributed part of the crisis to the U.S. embargo, stating that it hinders the country’s ability to procure necessary fuel and spare parts.
Protests erupt across the island as residents voice frustration over ongoing power outages.Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel echoed these sentiments, framing the situation as a consequence of external pressures rather than internal mismanagement.
As the situation unfolds, neighboring countries, including Colombia and Mexico, have offered assistance, yet the Cuban government has not formally requested help.
In contrast, a U.S. State Department spokesperson pointed out that the current power outage and Cuba’s energy struggles are rooted in long-term economic mismanagement rather than direct U.S. actions.
The crisis has sparked rare protests across the island, with residents expressing their frustration through the “cacerolazos,” a form of demonstration involving banging pots and pans.
Minister Levi dismissed these protests as isolated incidents, indicating that such expressions of dissent are not typical in Cuba’s socio-political climate.
Cuba’s long-standing issues with power supply are compounded by an aging infrastructure and the recent decline in oil shipments from key allies like Venezuela.
As the island continues to navigate its economic challenges, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for humanitarian impacts on its citizens becoming increasingly concerning.
The resilience of the Cuban people will be tested as they seek stability amid these ongoing challenges.