Parts of Cuba experienced an island-wide blackout, with a total collapse of the electrical grid occurring once again on Saturday. State-run media reported a complete disconnection from the national electro energetic system, leaving many alarmed. With traffic lights not working and food in refrigerators spoiled, people were out looking for supplies as power outages have been chronic in Cuba for years and have worsened in recent months. The government blames the U.S. embargo and fuel shortages for the blackouts.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez blamed the embargo for the lack of fuel and hard currency needed to maintain the national electro energetic system. They warned that blackouts would continue regularly even after power is restored. The economic crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the pandemic’s impact on tourism, has led to shortages in food, medicine, water, and fuel.
The state-dominated economy heavily relies on imports, and the lack of hard currency has led to limited oil supply from Venezuela and other countries. This economic crisis has prompted massive migration, with over one million people fleeing the island between 2022 and 2023. The government has tried to mitigate the impact of the embargo by closing schools and keeping state workers home to conserve energy. As efforts continue to re-establish power, the situation remains dire in Cuba.
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