In brief
Cuba is in the midst of restoring power and recovering from massive disruption as Hurricane Rafael, with winds of up to 185 km/h, triggered a nationwide blackout affecting millions.
Cuba is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which wreaked havoc across the island, leading to a significant blackout that left the majority of the population without electricity. This severe weather event prompted officials to begin restoration efforts, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledging the challenges faced in the recovery process.As Rafael made landfall on Wednesday, it brought strong winds and heavy rain, leading to extensive flooding and damage in various provinces, including Artemisa, Mayabeque, and the capital city of Havana. The powerful storm resulted in the evacuation of at least 70,000 residents, who faced dire warnings of flash flooding and possible mudslides. Thankfully, no fatalities have yet been reported.President Díaz-Canel reassured citizens, stating, "Every step from this point forward is geared towards recovery. Together we will do it." As workers commenced the cleanup efforts, streets in Havana were littered with debris, fallen branches, and damaged properties. Residents banded together to clear their surroundings using whatever tools were available, from shovels to buckets.In Artemisa, residents shared their makeshift solutions for cooking and heating during the blackout, with many having to rely on coal due to the loss of gas supply. Elias Perez expressed the frustration of the situation, saying, "It's a mess, but we have to keep going." This blackout follows a recent power outage that crippled Cuba for four days due to the aging energy infrastructure, which coincided with Hurricane Oscar, a less severe storm that impacted the northeastern coast. Natalia Martinez from Artemisa emphasized the resilience of the Cuban people, stating, "We know how to survive; we're in the dark all the time, you know."Recovery efforts continue as authorities work to restore power and assess damages across the island nation.
