Cuba Battles Power Outages as Recovery Efforts Continue After Dual Hurricane Strikes
Havana Partially Restored, Millions Still Without Power
Cuba has restored power to nearly 20% of Havana by late Friday, marking a significant step forward after Hurricane Rafael devastated the island and left much of the country in darkness. The powerful storm struck two days earlier, severely impacting Cuba’s already fragile electrical grid. The hurricane’s destructive force brought down power lines, toppled poles, and uprooted trees across western Cuba, creating a daunting recovery task for a nation already facing severe challenges.
A Hurricane Rafael’s impact comes on the heels of another crisis in Cuba’s energy sector. Just weeks prior, the national grid suffered multiple failures, leading to widespread blackouts and triggering public protests. The timing of Rafael’s strike was especially challenging, as Cuba was still recovering from mid-October’s Hurricane Oscar, which had ravaged the eastern part of the island. This one-two punch of storms has further tested the country’s infrastructure, leaving a nation already struggling with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine in a deepening crisis.
Partial Restoration Amid Struggles in Western Provinces
On Friday, officials reported that central and eastern Cuba have seen partial power restoration, while the hard-hit western provinces of Pinar del Rio and Artemisa remain mostly in the dark. Central Havana and its eastern suburbs have experienced some power returns; however, much of the city’s western half—home to around two million residents—continues to endure power outages, highlighting the urgent need for additional restoration efforts.
Continued Blackouts Loom Despite Partial Restoration
Cuba’s national grid operator, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), has warned that even in areas with restored power, the country is grappling with a substantial energy generation deficit. Further blackouts remain likely as the country’s aging oil-fired power plants struggle to operate. Years of reduced oil imports from key allies like Venezuela and Mexico have hindered Cuba’s ability to generate sufficient electricity, adding to the strain on its outdated energy infrastructure.
Russia’s Aid Brings Temporary Relief
In an effort to alleviate the crisis, Russia pledged on Friday to deliver 80,000 tons of diesel fuel, valued at approximately $60 million, according to Russian state media. This assistance provides a crucial lifeline as Cuba navigates the dual crises brought on by natural disasters and economic challenges.
As Cuba presses forward with recovery efforts, a clear timeline for full power restoration remains elusive, leaving millions across the island to face an extended period of uncertainty and hardship.