Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout due to a failure at one of its major power plants, leaving approximately 10 million people without electricity. The Communist-run government closed schools, non-essential industries, and sent most state workers home in an effort to conserve power before the complete grid failure. President Miguel Diaz-Canel vowed to restore power as soon as possible.
The crisis has led to the closure of all non-vital government services, including schools, recreational activities, and cultural events. Only essential employees of food and healthcare industries were asked to report to work. The government cited fuel shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising demand as factors contributing to the ongoing energy crisis.
The island’s reliance on imported fuel, compounded by reduced shipments from suppliers like Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, has left Cuba struggling to maintain its power supply. Cuba’s private businesses will face higher rates for electricity to offset the shortages. However, officials expect power generation to improve in the coming days as weather conditions allow for the distribution of fuel.
The blackout highlights the challenges faced by Cuba’s deteriorating infrastructure and scarcity of resources. Residents have already been grappling with shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine, making life increasingly difficult on the island. The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo, sanctions, and the current economic crisis for exacerbating the energy crisis.
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