Most of Cuba Without Power as Hurricane Oscar Nears

Cuba Power Outage as Hurricane Oscar Approaches

Large parts of Cuba are experiencing a major power outage as Hurricane Oscar, a Category 1 storm, approaches from the east. The hurricane brings strong winds of 85mph (140km/h) and is expected to reach Cuba by Sunday afternoon. Forecasters warn of potential flash floods and mudslides in the eastern regions of the island.

Widespread Blackouts and Energy Infrastructure Fears

On Friday, Cuba’s largest power plant, Antonio Guiteras, failed, plunging 10 million people into darkness. Although power was partially restored on Saturday, it collapsed again overnight. For many Cubans, the power outage means days without air conditioning, refrigeration, or running water. Families are resorting to firewood for cooking as food begins to spoil.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel has made restoring power his “absolute priority.” In a post on X, he said, “There will be no rest until power is restored.” Authorities in eastern Cuba are working to protect people and essential resources as Hurricane Oscar approaches.

Critical Infrastructure Under Threat

Cuba’s fragile energy infrastructure faces significant risks as the hurricane draws closer. The country has been grappling with deteriorating equipment and fuel shortages, and now, the storm could make things worse. Schools and businesses have closed, and hospitals are struggling to remain operational amid the ongoing power outage.

Cuban leaders have blamed the decades-long US embargo for the lack of necessary supplies and repairs. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated that lifting the embargo could eliminate blackouts, claiming, “If the US wanted to help, it could support the Cuban people by lifting the embargo.”

Fuel Shortages and Energy Crisis

Cuba has also seen a reduction in fuel shipments from Venezuela, which has worsened the situation. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, in a televised address, explained that fuel shortages and aging infrastructure are the main causes of the blackouts.

Alfredo López Valdés, head of the National Electric Union (UNE), echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that Cuba’s energy system is under severe strain due to fuel shortages and rising demand.

Rising Public Frustration

Frustration is mounting across the island as residents take to social media to voice their anger. Eloy Fon, an 80-year-old pensioner from Havana, expressed his dismay, saying, “It shows the fragility of our electricity system. We have no reserves and are living day to day.”

Barbara López, 47, a digital content creator, said she has been unable to work for two days due to the power outage and lack of mobile data. “It’s the worst I’ve seen in 47 years,” she said.

Potential for Unrest

Cuba has a history of public protests during extended blackouts. In July 2021, prolonged power cuts led to large demonstrations across the country. The government knows that many people have lost their fear of speaking out about the nation’s problems. In some cases, citizens are even prepared to take to the streets in protest.

Earlier this year, hundreds of residents in Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, staged a rare public demonstration against the ongoing blackouts and food shortages. As Hurricane Oscar approaches, many fear that the situation could worsen.

For more updates on Cuba’s power outage and Hurricane Oscar, visit BBC News.

Explore more stories about Cuba at Kenkou Land.