Hurricane Oscar makes landfall in Cuba amid crippling power outage
Cuba’s electrical grid collapsed for the fourth time in just 48 hours on Sunday, exacerbating a dire situation as Hurricane Oscar made landfall on the island, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Millions remained without electricity more than two days after the initial grid failure, prompting widespread concern and frustration among residents.
The country’s energy and mines ministry reported that restoration efforts were underway but faced significant challenges. “Restoration work began immediately,” the ministry announced via X , although many residents in Havana and beyond continued to suffer from prolonged outages.
Hurricane Oscar, packing winds of 75 miles per hour, has further complicated efforts to restore power. The storm’s arrival has prompted warnings from Cuba’s meteorological survey of an “extremely dangerous situation,” particularly in eastern regions already struggling with infrastructure issues.
In response to the hurricane and ongoing energy crisis, the Communist-run government canceled classes through Wednesday, a rare measure in Cuba. Officials advised that only essential workers should report to work on Monday, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The grid’s collapse, which first occurred Friday after the shutdown of the island’s largest power plant, highlights the fragile state of Cuba’s electrical infrastructure, already suffering from years of neglect and resource shortages. Despite restoring power to 160,000 clients shortly before the Sunday collapse, many, like Anabel Gonzalez from Old Havana, expressed despair. “My cell phone is dead, and my refrigerator is empty,” she lamented, showcasing the struggle faced by countless families.
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy had earlier projected that the grid would be fully operational by Monday or Tuesday but cautioned residents against expecting immediate improvements. The latest outages have underscored the complexities involved in restoring service amid a failing system.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported a significant drop in internet traffic across Cuba as the power outages rendered charging devices nearly impossible, further isolating residents from communication during the crisis.
Cuba has cited a combination of deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increased demand for the extensive blackouts, which have left many experiencing outages of up to 20 hours daily. Government officials also pointed to the impact of U.S. sanctions, particularly those imposed during the Trump administration, as a contributing factor to the country’s energy struggles.
The situation has been exacerbated by reduced fuel imports from traditional allies like Venezuela and Mexico, which have both cut back on supplies due to their own economic challenges. As the island grapples with the dual threats of a humanitarian crisis and a natural disaster, the outlook for a swift recovery remains uncertain.
Authorities continue to work under pressure, facing the frustrations of citizens already enduring food, medicine, and fuel shortages in addition to the ongoing electrical outages.
