Cuba is facing a catastrophic crisis after a series of power grid collapses in the aftermath of a powerful hurricane, leaving large parts of the island nation in darkness and deepening its economic and social struggles. With no electricity, production has come to a halt, and residents are being forced to cook over open fires on the streets as refrigeration fails, causing food supplies to spoil rapidly.
The crisis began when a hurricane made landfall, devastating Cuba’s already fragile infrastructure. The country has experienced four power grid collapses within 48 hours, resulting in a total blackout for vast areas. Many areas have been without power for several days, and government officials have been scrambling to restore even basic electricity services. In many places, residents are resorting to extreme measures, including cooking on campfires along the streets and trying to salvage what little food remains from spoiling appliances.
A Cuban economist has described the situation as a “total crisis,” noting that the country, already grappling with economic hardships, is now paralyzed. Factories, schools, and essential services have ground to a halt. Cuba’s ongoing shortages of food and medicine are being exacerbated by the power failures, with no immediate end to the crisis in sight.
In addition to the power grid collapse, communication lines are severely disrupted, making it difficult for people to connect with loved ones or seek assistance. International aid has been slow to arrive, and frustrations are growing among the population. The lack of electricity has also left hospitals and other vital institutions struggling to operate.
Meanwhile, Canadian citizens in Cuba are urging others to stay home, warning of the ongoing blackout conditions. One Canadian resident told local media that the conditions are worsening by the day, and visitors should avoid the island until power is restored and basic services return. “There’s no electricity, no food, and no way to keep things fresh,” the resident said. “It’s a disaster.”
The Cuban government is facing mounting pressure as it works to restore the power grid and prevent further deterioration of the situation. However, the extent of the damage to the infrastructure is immense, and full restoration of electricity across the country could take weeks.
As Cuba grapples with this latest disaster, international organizations are being called on to provide immediate aid to alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people. The country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, compounded by its ongoing economic struggles, has pushed Cuba into what many are calling one of its worst crises in decades.
