Millions in Cuba are facing a third consecutive day without power after three major grid failures. The minister of energy and mines, Vicente de la O Levi, stated that power is expected to be restored by Tuesday, but ongoing fuel shortages could lead to continued blackouts. Hurricane Oscar could further impede recovery efforts if it impacts power plants. The U.S. embargo on Cuba has been blamed for financial difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts.
Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Russia have offered assistance, although the Cuban government has not officially requested help from the U.S. The blackout sparked protests in various parts of the island, which are unusual in a country where protesting is not tolerated. In Havana, power has been restored to some homes, but the aging infrastructure and fuel shortages have contributed to chronic blackouts in Cuba.
The country’s economic crisis, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to shortages of food, medicine, water, and fuel. The situation has fueled significant migration, with over 1 million people leaving the island between 2022 and 2023. The economic strains have also impacted Cuba’s ability to maintain and upgrade its power infrastructure, leading to the current electricity crisis.
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