Cuba Closes Schools, Orders Workers Home Amid Severe Blackouts

Cuba has closed schools and ordered non-essential workers to stay home due to major blackouts. Only six oil-fired power plants are operational, impacted by a severe fuel shortage. The blackouts have caused unrest as citizens grapple with food and medicine shortages, with thousands fleeing the island. The government attributes the challenges to U.S. sanctions while hinting at slight improvements in power conditions soon.

Cuba has ordered non-essential workers and students to remain at home due to significant blackouts stemming from the malfunctioning of a major power plant. Currently, only six out of the country’s 15 oil-fired power plants are operational, exacerbated by a critical fuel shortage that has halted smaller diesel generators, essential for grid stability. The situation has plunged the island into extensive power outages, the worst since nationwide grid failures occurred last year.

The steady reduction in oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico has compounded issues for Cuba’s aged power infrastructure, leading to severe operational crises. Following an announcement from the government on Thursday, work and educational activities deemed non-essential are suspended as the power issues persist. Essential services will continue unaffected, but residents have reported extended blackouts for up to 20 hours in some areas.

The blackouts have heightened anxiety among Cubans, who are already grappling with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, around one million individuals have emigrated from Cuba, escaping worsening living conditions. Cuban officials attribute their energy crisis primarily to the U.S. trade embargo and sanctions imposed during the Trump administration, which have hindered their ability to maintain electrical infrastructure and acquire necessary resources.

In response to the situation, the Cuban government announced a potential slight improvement in conditions over the weekend, linked to expected enhancements in fuel supplies. The increasing power crises not only inconvenience daily life but also contribute to civil unrest, following a pattern of dissatisfaction among the populace that may escalate if conditions do not improve soon.

Cuba faces serious challenges with its electricity supply, prompting the government to direct non-essential workers and students to remain at home amidst severe blackouts. Diminished fuel imports and an aged power system have further exacerbated these issues, leading to widespread anxiety and discontent among citizens, many of whom have emigrated due to deteriorating conditions. While some improvement in fuel supply may come, the underlying issues remain significant.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my