Cuba Faces Severe Island-Wide Blackouts Amid Power Crisis
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Cuba is currently experiencing extensive island-wide blackouts lasting from six to twenty hours due to a major power plant’s failure and a critical fuel shortage. The government is taking measures like closing schools and advising non-essential workers to stay home. The situation has been worsened by previous natural disasters and ongoing U.S. sanctions, which limit resources needed for the electrical grid’s maintenance.
Cuba experienced significant power outages recently due to the failure of a major power plant. In the capital city, Havana, residents faced electricity shortages lasting from six to ten hours, while smaller towns endured blackouts for up to twenty hours. Consequently, the government ordered schools to shut down and advised non-essential workers to remain at home.
The Cuban government reported that a fuel shortage has limited operational capacity to only six of the country’s fifteen oil-fired power plants. In addition, backup diesel generators were unable to start due to a lack of fuel supply. These blackouts are the most severe since the nationwide grid collapse last year, which was exacerbated by dwindling oil imports from countries like Mexico, Venezuela, and Russia.
The power crisis intensified following Hurricane Oscar in November, which disrupted power across the entire island, affecting its ten million residents. Cuban officials attribute the persistent issues to the U.S. trade embargo and sanctions enacted during Donald Trump’s administration, limiting the island’s ability to maintain its electrical infrastructure and acquire necessary fuel and parts.
In response to the ongoing crisis, President Trump reversed a number of sanctions relief measures that had been introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden. However, on a more positive note, officials announced that a minor improvement in conditions could be expected over the weekend as the fuel supply on the island shows signs of recovery.
Cuba continues to face severe power outages due to failing infrastructure and fuel shortages, exacerbated by both natural disasters and political sanctions. The government’s measures—including school closures—reflect the urgency of the situation as they seek to alleviate the impact on residents. While minor improvements in fuel supply are anticipated, the long-term outlook remains influenced by external sanctions and domestic operational challenges.
Original Source: www.travelgossip.co.uk