Cuba's Gridlock: Electrical Failures Fuel Tensions Amid Dire Shortages

Cuba experiences its fourth electrical grid collapse in 48 hours, exacerbating shortages of food, fuel, and medicine on the island. Protests erupt amid blackouts impacting over 10 million residents. Government efforts to restore power face setbacks from infrastructure issues, a tropical storm, and diminished fuel imports.

Cuba faced its fourth electrical grid collapse in just 48 hours on Sunday, intensifying severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine across the island. This latest blackout followed weeks of persistent power outages, spurring small protests in the Caribbean nation as Tropical Storm Oscar loomed.

On Friday, the collapse of Cuba's largest power plant plunged approximately 10 million people into darkness. Three subsequent failures have highlighted the frailty of the island's infrastructure, complicating governmeT efforts to restore power. This situation presents a significant challenge during the Caribbean's oppressive summer months.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel addressed the nation in military attire, urging civility amid the crisis. As Havana plunged into darkness, scattered neighborhoods witnessed pot-banging protests fueled by food and water shortages. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged the public's frustration, emphasizing the collective resolve as authorities grapple with a total grid collapse further aggravated by current fuel supply challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)