Power restored to half of Cuban capital after nationwide blackout

Published October 21,2024

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Electricity was restored to half of Havana on Monday following a four-day nationwide blackout, the Cuban capital’s energy firm reported.

“Around 50 percent of clients” now have energy, the electrical energy firm stated in a report revealed by state-run news portal Cubadebate.

Power went out for the island’s 10 million individuals on Friday after the collapse of the nation’s largest coal-fired energy plant crippled the grid, in response to the top of electrical energy provide on the vitality ministry, Lazaro Guerra. The electrical energy provide failed once more throughout the nation on Saturday morning.

The arrival of tropical storm Oscar late Sunday didn’t facilitate the restoration of energy. The storm´s heavy rains and winds impacted hundreds of thousands of Cubans already dealing with days with out energy.

Cuban officers declared an “energy emergency,” suspending faculties and non-essential public companies.

After some individuals took to the streets to protest the blackout, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated in a video posted on X that they’re working to alleviate the scenario however warned that “we are not going to allow acts of vandalism and much less alter the tranquility of our people.”

The authorities has stated that electrical energy is predicted to be restored to many of the nation by the top of Monday.

The grim electrical scenario has worsened the already dire scenario of residents who’re fighting excessive inflation and shortages of meals, medication, gas and water.

Diaz-Canel has blamed the U.S. imposed commerce embargo for the blackouts, saying it has made buying gas for energy stations very tough. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez additionally stated on X that “if the embargo is lifted, there will be no blackouts.”