Cuba Enforces Lockdown Amid Severe Blackouts and Power Crisis

Cuba is currently under lockdown due to blackouts caused by a failing electrical grid. Only six of the fifteen oil-fired power plants are running, and a significant fuel shortage hampers additional power generation. The situation has worsened since last year, leading to widespread unrest and a mass exodus of citizens. Authorities blame U.S. sanctions for the deteriorating conditions but expect slight improvements soon.

Cuba has implemented a lockdown as its electrical grid faces significant failures, leading to widespread blackouts. Following a major power plant’s failure, authorities closed schools and instructed non-essential workers to stay home. Currently, only six out of fifteen oil-fired power plants are operational due to a critical fuel shortage affecting smaller diesel generators, crippling the nation’s already struggling electrical infrastructure.

The recent blackouts are the most severe since numerous grid collapses occurred last year, disrupting power for the entire population of 10 million and inciting protests. Insufficient oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico further exacerbate the crisis, leaving Cuba’s outdated power plants in a dire situation. In response, the government has ordered a suspension of non-essential work activities while claiming that basic services will continue to operate.

Havana residents, usually shielded from extended outages, reported power loss lasting from six to ten hours, with rural areas experiencing up to twenty hours daily. These power shortages contribute to rising anxiety amid existing food, fuel, and medical supply shortages. Since the COVID-19 pandemic commenced, over one million Cubans have emigrated, driven out by worsening conditions.

Cuban officials attribute the electrical grid’s challenges to the U.S. trade embargo and sanctions enacted during the Trump administration, which they expect will further deteriorate the situation. Recently, President Biden’s easing of sanctions was reversed, further limiting Cuba’s ability to maintain infrastructure. However, government representatives suggested minor improvements in conditions due to expected fuel supply enhancements over the coming weekend.

In summary, Cuba is experiencing severe blackouts due to failures in its already fragile electrical grid, leading to school closures and work suspensions. The situation is intensified by critical fuel shortages and lacks effective maintenance. The ongoing U.S. sanctions are cited as a primary factor in the crisis as the nation struggles to cope with these challenges while residents face increasing hardships.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk