Hurricane Oscar is expected to hit eastern Cuba on Sunday as the island nation continues to face a nationwide blackout following the failure of its largest power plant. President Miguel Diaz-Canel reassured the public that authorities were working hard to protect the population and resources in the face of the impending storm.
With winds of 140km/h, heavy rains are expected as the storm approaches. Despite some progress in restoring power, millions are still without electricity. The power grid first crashed on Friday and collapsed again on Saturday, leaving many struggling with limited access to essential services.
The ongoing power outages have forced Prime Minister Manuel Marrero to declare an “energy emergency,” prioritizing electricity supply to homes and suspending non-essential public services. Schools have also been closed until Monday.
Diaz-Canel attributed the fuel shortage for power plants to the challenges faced in acquiring resources due to the US trade embargo. The country previously experienced power outages in 2021 and 2022, sparking public anger and protests on the streets.
As Cuba braces for Hurricane Oscar amidst a critical energy crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to restore power and ensure the safety of its citizens during the impending storm.
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