Cuba experienced a total collapse of its electrical grid, leading to an island-wide blackout and leaving many alarmed. The blackout occurred shortly after electricity had been partially restored following a previous outage. The government had attempted to conserve energy by closing schools and keeping state workers home, but these efforts were not enough to prevent the collapse.
Power outages in Cuba have been chronic for years, worsened by aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and fuel shortages. The government blames the decades-old U.S. embargo for hindering importation of necessary parts and fuel. President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez have both pointed to the embargo as a major factor in the country’s energy crisis.
The economic crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the impact of the pandemic on tourism, has led to shortages in food, medicine, water, and fuel. The supply of oil has been limited, with Venezuela decreasing shipments and other suppliers reducing support. The economic turmoil has prompted a significant number of Cubans to migrate, with over one million people leaving the island between 2022 and 2023.
The government is working to restore power and has opened an outdoor market in Havana to provide essential goods to residents. However, ongoing blackouts are expected even after power is fully restored. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Cuba as it grapples with economic difficulties and energy instability.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com