Cuba on its Knees Due to Major Power Outage

A huge blackout occurred in Cuba on October 18, and a second one followed on October 19. The country’s power system has completely failed due to a problem with the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, which dealt the final blow to an already weak and inefficient system.

Blackouts have become commonplace on the Caribbean island due to outdated power plants and oil shortages. The situation has deteriorated over the past week to such an extent that the government has decided to close schools, secondary industries, and cultural and recreational activities in order to save energy. The situation was exacerbated by the failure of the Antonio Guiteras power plant. The Ministry of Energy and Mines said state-owned Unión Eléctrica was working “to quickly restore power supply,” but a second blackout occurred during restoration efforts.

In addition to these accidents and the country’s power infrastructure problems, President Miguel Diaz-Canel emphasized how huge the constant fuel shortages are due to the US embargo. Meanwhile, in addition to the lack of electricity, the population is facing the rains that have been hitting Havana for days, causing floods, and the Dengue epidemic: 17,000 people have been hospitalized for the disease.