Cuba is grappling with widespread blackouts and evacuations due to Hurricane Rafael’s destructive force, which has ignited concerns about the country's aging energy infrastructure.
Hurricane Rafael Causes Nationwide Blackout in Cuba
Hurricane Rafael Causes Nationwide Blackout in Cuba
As Hurricane Rafael hits Cuba with ferocious strength, the entire island faces a significant power outage, bringing emergency preparations to the forefront.
Cuba has experienced a catastrophic blackout as Hurricane Rafael, packing winds of up to 185 km/h (115 mph), strikes the island. The national energy company reported that the hurricane's strong winds triggered a complete shutdown of the national electricity system, prompting an activation of emergency protocols.
This category-three storm made landfall on Wednesday evening in the western province of Artemisa, close to the capital, Havana, at approximately 16:15 local time (21:15 GMT). Authorities have evacuated more than 70,000 residents from vulnerable areas in anticipation of storm surges, flash flooding, and possible mudslides, as forecasted by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
This latest event comes on the heels of a severe blackout that left around 10 million Cubans without power for four days, due to lingering issues with the country's aging energy infrastructure. In that instance, the blackout coincided with Hurricane Oscar, a hurricane of lesser intensity that resulted in at least six fatalities across the island.
While Rafael is anticipated to weaken as it progresses over Cuba, it remains powerful enough to pose life-threatening risks, particularly with the expected heavy rainfall throughout western Cuba into Thursday. Additional storm warnings have also been issued for the Cayman Islands and the Florida Keys.
The Cuban government’s struggles with energy stability continue to be underscored by the disruptions caused by extreme weather, revealing a critical need for infrastructure repair. Nonetheless, some, like British tourist Klara Kszczotek, express calm in the face of the storm, suggesting a degree of resilience and preparedness among residents and travelers alike.
This category-three storm made landfall on Wednesday evening in the western province of Artemisa, close to the capital, Havana, at approximately 16:15 local time (21:15 GMT). Authorities have evacuated more than 70,000 residents from vulnerable areas in anticipation of storm surges, flash flooding, and possible mudslides, as forecasted by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
This latest event comes on the heels of a severe blackout that left around 10 million Cubans without power for four days, due to lingering issues with the country's aging energy infrastructure. In that instance, the blackout coincided with Hurricane Oscar, a hurricane of lesser intensity that resulted in at least six fatalities across the island.
While Rafael is anticipated to weaken as it progresses over Cuba, it remains powerful enough to pose life-threatening risks, particularly with the expected heavy rainfall throughout western Cuba into Thursday. Additional storm warnings have also been issued for the Cayman Islands and the Florida Keys.
The Cuban government’s struggles with energy stability continue to be underscored by the disruptions caused by extreme weather, revealing a critical need for infrastructure repair. Nonetheless, some, like British tourist Klara Kszczotek, express calm in the face of the storm, suggesting a degree of resilience and preparedness among residents and travelers alike.
