Parts of Cuba experienced an island-wide blackout, with a total collapse of the electrical grid occurring once again. State-run media reported that there was a complete disconnection from the national electro energetic system, leaving many across the country alarmed. Traffic lights were not working, and food in refrigerators spoiled due to the lack of power. Some stores remained open without electricity, while others operated with generators. The government opened an open-air market in the capital to provide agricultural products to residents.
The blackout was caused by the failure of the island’s largest power plant, leading to almost all of Cuba’s 10 million inhabitants being in the dark. Chronic power outages have been an ongoing issue in Cuba, exacerbated by the aging infrastructure and maintenance challenges. The government has cited the U.S. embargo, increasing energy demand, and fuel shortages as reasons for the blackouts.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez blamed the embargo for the lack of fuel and hard currency needed to maintain the electrical system. They warned that blackouts would continue regularly even after power is restored. Cuba’s economic crisis, worsened by U.S. sanctions and the impact of the pandemic on tourism, has led to shortages in food, medicine, water, and fuel. This has fueled a mass migration of over one million people, representing 10% of the island’s population, fleeing Cuba between 2022 and 2023.
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