As Cuba grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which caused a nationwide blackout, officials announced their commitment to restoring power amidst the chaos. The hurricane, packing winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), struck the island, leading to evacuations of approximately 70,000 residents due to threats of storm surges, flooding, and mudslides. Despite the destruction, no fatalities have been reported.
Cuba Faces Recovery Challenges Following Hurricane Rafael's Devastating Blackout
Cuba Faces Recovery Challenges Following Hurricane Rafael's Devastating Blackout
Efforts are underway in Cuba to restore power after Hurricane Rafael plunged the nation into darkness, prompting widespread evacuations and significant damage.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel noted severe impacts in the provinces of Artemisa and Mayabeque, as well as Havana. He emphasized the importance of united recovery efforts, stating, "Every step from this point forward is geared towards recovery. Together we will do it." A significant portion of the 10 million population remains without electricity, and in the capital, reports indicate residents resorting to shovels, brooms, and buckets to clear remnants of the storm. Streets in and around Havana were littered with branches and debris, exemplifying the hurricane's toll.
Local residents have expressed their determination to adapt amid the crisis. One Artemisa inhabitant shared how families are redefining their cooking methods due to power shortages, saying, "If you don't have gas, you have to improvise with coal." Another resident remarked, "We know how to survive, we're in the dark all the time, you know." This latest blackout follows a previous power outage that left millions without electricity for four days, coinciding with Hurricane Oscar, which also inflicted damage across the island's northeastern coast. The resilience of the Cuban population is undeniable, yet the challenges posed by the aging power infrastructure remain significant as recovery efforts continue.
Local residents have expressed their determination to adapt amid the crisis. One Artemisa inhabitant shared how families are redefining their cooking methods due to power shortages, saying, "If you don't have gas, you have to improvise with coal." Another resident remarked, "We know how to survive, we're in the dark all the time, you know." This latest blackout follows a previous power outage that left millions without electricity for four days, coinciding with Hurricane Oscar, which also inflicted damage across the island's northeastern coast. The resilience of the Cuban population is undeniable, yet the challenges posed by the aging power infrastructure remain significant as recovery efforts continue.
