Cuba is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which triggered a nationwide blackout on Wednesday. The storm, characterized by winds reaching 185 km/h (115 mph), forced authorities to shut down the electricity system for the second time in a matter of weeks. With at least 70,000 individuals evacuated prior to the hurricane’s landfall, the government is now focused on restoring power and aiding recovery efforts.
The hurricane struck particularly hard in the provinces of Artemisa and Mayabeque, as well as in the capital city of Havana. President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized that the nation’s recovery process is already underway. He stated, “Every step from this point forward is geared towards recovery. Together we will do it.”
Despite extensive damage and flooding in western Cuba, there have been no reported fatalities. However, much of the population—approximately 10 million residents—is still without electricity. In Havana, citizens took to the streets armed with shovels and buckets to clear debris as they assessed the extent of the destruction.
Residents in affected areas are facing significant challenges as they cope with ongoing power outages and flooding. Many are forced to find creative solutions for day-to-day living.
In Artemisa, local resident Elias Perez shared how families are adapting: “If you don’t have gas, you have to improvise with coal,” he explained. “Yesterday my wife and I got by with coal. It’s a mess, but we have to keep going.”
This recent blackout follows a similar crisis last month when millions were left without power for four days due to failures in Cuba’s aging energy infrastructure. That incident coincided with Hurricane Oscar—a less severe storm that also caused significant damage along Cuba’s northeastern coast.
Natalia Martinez from Artemisa expressed resilience amidst adversity: “We know how to survive; we’re in the dark all the time,” she remarked.
As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather events globally, Cuba’s struggles highlight broader issues related to infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness.
Looking forward, Cuba faces not only the immediate challenge of recovery from Hurricane Rafael but also a pressing need to address its aging electrical grid and improve response strategies for future natural disasters. The resilience demonstrated by its citizens may be key as they navigate these ongoing challenges.
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