Cuba Battles Widespread Blackouts Amid Tropical Storm and Grid Failures

Cuba faces significant power outages due to grid failures exacerbated by Tropical Storm Oscar. Recovery efforts are complicated by severe weather, while shortages of food, fuel, and medicine worsen. The Cuban government has accused the U.S. embargo of hindering infrastructure repairs. Public discontent grows amid prolonged blackouts.

Cuba is grappling with extensive power outages after Tropical Storm Oscar exacerbated ongoing grid failures. The storm's strong winds and heavy rains have hindered recovery efforts across the island, with many areas still in darkness.

Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy highlighted the complexities of restoring power amid damaged infrastructure. By mid-morning, about 700 megawatts, a quarter of the daily demand, were back online, with power restored to 56% of Havana. President Miguel Diaz-Canel addressed the nation, urging calm.

The failures underscore Cuba's outdated infrastructure's fragility, worsened by U.S. embargo-related resource shortages. The island struggles with extended blackouts, prompting public outcry. Key allies such as Russia, Mexico, and Venezuela have recently decreased exports to the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)