Cuba’s National Power Grid Collapses Amid Devastating Impact of Hurricane Rafael
Severe Storm Pummels Cuba with 115 mph Winds and Torrential Rain
On Wednesday, Cuba’s fragile national power grid collapsed under the force of Hurricane Rafael, which struck the island’s southwest coast with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph). The storm left the entire population of 10 million people without power, marking the second major blackout in less than a month for the crisis-hit nation.
Hurricane Rafael Threatens Western Cuba with Life-Threatening Conditions
By late afternoon, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of “life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding” across Cuba’s western regions. Havana, located just 45 miles (75 km) northeast of Rafael’s center, endured heavy rain and violent wind gusts, resulting in widespread flooding and severely impacted infrastructure.
Cuba’s state-run electricity operator, UNE, confirmed a total failure of the electrical system, which has been struggling due to outdated equipment and dwindling fuel supplies. This total blackout has left millions in darkness, with no clear timeline for power restoration.
Residents Brace as Havana Faces Intense Flooding Risks
Havana, home to over 2 million people, is especially vulnerable to hurricane damage due to its densely packed, aging buildings and outdated drainage systems. Police cruisers patrolled central neighborhoods, urging residents to shelter in place. Schools and public transportation were suspended, and flights at both Havana’s Jose Martí International Airport and Varadero resort were grounded until further notice.
In preparation, more than 100 Canadian tourists were evacuated from Cayo Largo, a popular beach destination off Cuba’s southwestern coast. The storm’s threat, however, extends beyond urban centers; agricultural regions like Artemisa and Pinar del Río, renowned for their tobacco crops used in Cuba’s hand-rolled cigars, also face significant risks.
Timing of Rafael’s Impact Deepens Cuba’s Economic Woes
The arrival of Hurricane Rafael has compounded Cuba’s ongoing struggles, following last month’s total blackout caused by Hurricane Oscar’s landfall in eastern Cuba. The island nation is grappling with severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. Its oil-powered electrical grid, reliant on shrinking imports from Venezuela and Russia, is straining under these back-to-back crises. The impact on Cuba’s economy is expected to be severe, adding to the recovery challenges.
“Farmers have been working tirelessly to safeguard 8,000 metric tonnes of tobacco and protect the season’s fruits and vegetables,” stated Agriculture Minister Ydael Pérez Brito. Yet, with the storm’s intense winds and flooding, there are fears of widespread crop losses, which could further disrupt the nation’s food supplies amid existing shortages.
Rafael Gains Strength as It Tracks Toward the Gulf of Mexico
Rafael’s rapid escalation from a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane after skirting the Cayman Islands has intensified its destructive potential. Forecasters predict that Rafael may shift toward the Gulf of Mexico later this week, though its path remains uncertain. If it heads westward, the storm could threaten other regions, potentially exacerbating the already critical situation in Cuba.
For now, Cuba is left dealing with the immediate aftermath of Rafael. Prolonged outages and hardships highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and fuel uncertainty for millions on the island.