In brief
Cuba has been grappling with an unprecedented energy crisis as a nationwide blackout left approximately 10 million Cubans without power for several consecutive days. This crisis coincided with the devastation of Hurricane Oscar, which caused significant damage and loss of life along the northeastern coast. Many residents have been resorting to collecting firewood for cooking due to disrupted gas supplies and prolonged electricity shortages.
The energy and mines minister, Vicente de la O Levy, attributes the situation partially to the US economic embargo, which hampers the import of necessary equipment and fuel for power systems. Conversely, the US State Department dismissed these claims, suggesting the problems stem from the Cuban government’s mismanagement. As frustrations boil over, President Miguel Diaz-Canel has warned against protests, recalling previous uprisings sparked by similar issues. Economists express concern that electricity generation in Cuba has fallen drastically, leading to daily struggles for many families who are facing basic needs unmet. With lasting damage from Hurricane Oscar, the outlook for recovery appears bleak, leaving residents in desperate circumstances as they await a semblance of normalcy.
