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Hurricane Oscar Strikes Cuba Amid Widespread Power Outages
Hurricane Oscar has made landfall on Cuba's eastern shores, bringing with it winds of nearly 80 mph (130 km/h) and compounding the challenges faced by a nation already grappling with a near-total power outage. The storm made landfall near Baracoa at 5:50 PM local time, coinciding with the third day of extensive blackouts that have left approximately 10 million residents without electricity.
The crisis began on Friday when the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the largest on the island, failed, leading to a nationwide blackout. Although efforts to restore power were initiated over the weekend, they were thwarted by subsequent grid failures. Energy and Mining Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced that while most Cubans could expect power restoration by Monday night, some areas may not see electricity until Tuesday.
As Hurricane Oscar approached, waves reached heights of up to 13 feet along the coast, raising concerns about flooding and infrastructure damage. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that despite Oscar weakening into a tropical storm shortly after landfall, it could still cause significant flash flooding and mudslides in eastern regions.
The ongoing power outages have severely impacted daily life. Many residents are without air conditioning or fans as temperatures rise, food is spoiling in refrigerators, and cooking has reverted to firewood due to the lack of electricity. Water supplies are also affected, as many rely on electric pumps for access.
Public frustration is palpable, with social media abuzz with complaints about the deteriorating situation. Schools and businesses have been closed indefinitely, raising concerns about healthcare facilities' ability to function without reliable power sources.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel assured citizens that authorities were working diligently to protect both people and economic resources in light of the hurricane's arrival. However, he also attributed the energy crisis to a long-standing U.S. embargo that hampers access to essential supplies and parts needed for infrastructure maintenance.
In addition to the embargo's impact, Cuba has experienced a decrease in fuel shipments from Venezuela this year, further straining its energy resources. As protests erupted across the island in response to the blackouts, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz declared an "energy emergency," halting non-essential public services to prioritize electricity for households.
The situation remains precarious as authorities continue to navigate the dual challenges posed by Hurricane Oscar and the ongoing energy crisis. With public patience wearing thin and historical precedents of unrest during similar crises, the Cuban government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of this critical situation.