HAVANA — Much of Cuba is grappling with extensive power outages on Sunday as Hurricane Oscar approaches, following the failure of the country’s main energy plant that left 10 million people without electricity just days prior.
Electricity supply was partially restored on Saturday, but the grid collapsed again overnight, leaving many homes without power amid rising temperatures and humidity. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has assured the public that authorities in the eastern region are “working hard to protect the people and economic resources” as the hurricane nears.
Packing sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h), Hurricane Oscar is expected to reach Cuba by Sunday afternoon, bringing the potential for flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in eastern areas, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The power outages have forced families to rely on firewood for cooking, while food in refrigerators begins to spoil. Many households are also facing water shortages due to the reliance on electric pumps for supply.
Public patience is wearing thin as frustration mounts on social media platforms. However, there have been no reliable reports of protests so far. Schools and businesses are closed, raising concerns about the functionality of hospitals amidst an already critical situation.
The total blackout on Friday occurred after the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas, the island’s largest power facility, went offline around 11:00 a.m. local time. In response to the crisis, President Díaz-Canel declared the situation his “absolute priority,” pledging that “there will be no rest until power is restored.”
The Cuban government has attributed the ongoing energy crisis to a decades-long U.S. embargo, which it claims prevents essential supplies and replacement parts from reaching the island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez reiterated this stance, asserting that the damages caused by the embargo within just 18 days equate to the annual cost of maintaining the national power grid. He added, “If the embargo is lifted, there will be no blackouts.”
Compounding the situation, Cuba has also faced a reduction in fuel shipments from Venezuela this year. In light of the deteriorating conditions, Cuban officials announced the closure of all schools and non-essential activities, including nightclubs, until Monday. Non-essential workers have been urged to remain at home to conserve electricity, while non-vital government services have been suspended.
Residents have voiced their concerns over the fragile state of the country’s electricity system. Eloy Fon, an 80-year-old pensioner in Havana, described the situation as “crazy,” highlighting the lack of reserves to sustain the country’s needs.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the public in a televised message, acknowledging that the energy failures are primarily due to deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising demand. “The fuel shortage is the biggest factor,” he said.
The ongoing power crisis evokes memories of widespread protests in July 2021, when thousands took to the streets over similar blackouts and ongoing economic hardships. As the situation remains tense, many Cubans are increasingly willing to voice their frustrations regarding the daily challenges they face.
