Cuba faces power crisis as Hurricane Oscar threatens further outages
In parts of Cuba, the electric power supply was restored on Sunday after a widespread failure. Despite this, around 80% of residents still don't have electricity. The energy minister warns that the situation may worsen due to the approaching hurricane.
10:42 AM EDT, October 20, 2024
The management of the state-owned company Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), responsible for the electricity supply on the island, emphasizes that transmission was restored on Sunday, October 20, following more than 40 hours of a total power outage in Cuba.
20% of Cuba's residents regain power
UNE authorities acknowledge that the resumption of power supply affects only part of the country. They estimate that electricity was restored to about 20% of Cuban households on Sunday morning.
Energy Minister Lazaro Guerra Hernandez noted, however, that with Hurricane Oscar approaching over the eastern part of Cuba, further disruptions in power transmission may occur.
Meteorologists predict the natural disaster approaching the Caribbean island will bring winds exceeding 80 mph and heavy rainfall.
Cuba's civil defense has urged residents to monitor weather service announcements concerning the approaching Hurricane Oscar closely. It is expected to reach the northeastern province of Holguín as early as Sunday.
Cuban authorities also anticipate the situation to worsen in the Havana metropolitan area, the country's capital, which has been flooded since heavy rains began on Wednesday.
Protests against power supply interruptions
In several cities on the island, citizens who were dissatisfied with the lack of electricity took to the streets.
The broadcasting service Marti, citing Cuban opposition members, reported that the protests include locations such as Baguanos, Holguín, and Sancti Spíritus. In the latter, the first arrests of demonstrators have been confirmed.
According to Reuters, Cuba has struggled with significant power supply issues for some time. Many provinces have been without electricity for extended periods, and most localities outside the capital, Havana, have power for only a few hours a day.
