Cuba's fragile power grid faces new threat from Hurricane Oscar
In parts of Cuba, the electric power supply was restored on Sunday after a failure. Despite this, around 80% of residents still don't have electricity. The Energy Minister warns that the situation may worsen due to the approaching hurricane.
The management of the state-owned company Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), responsible for the electricity supply on the island, emphasised that transmission was restored on Sunday (20th October) after more than 40 hours of total electrical paralysis in Cuba.
20% of Cuba's residents have regained power
UNE authorities admit that the resumption of power supply only affects part of the country. They estimate that electricity was restored to about 20% of Cuban households on Sunday morning.
Energy Minister Lázaro Guerra Hernández noted, however, that with the approaching Hurricane Oscar over the eastern part of Cuba, there may be further disruptions in power transmission.
Meteorologists predict that the natural disaster approaching the Caribbean island will bring winds of over 130 km/h and heavy rainfall.
Cuba's civil defence has urged residents to monitor weather service announcements concerning the approaching Hurricane Oscar closely. It is expected to reach the northeastern province of Holguín on the island as early as Sunday.
Cuban authorities also expect the situation to worsen in the Havana metropolitan area, the country's capital, which has been flooded since heavy rains began on Wednesday.
Protests against power supply interruptions
In several cities on the island, citizens who were dissatisfied with the lack of electricity took to the streets.
The broadcasting service Martí, citing Cuban opposition members, reported that the protests include locations such as Báguanos, Holguín, and Sancti Spíritus. In the latter, the first arrests of demonstrators have been confirmed.
According to Reuters, Cuba has struggled with massive power supply issues for some time. Many provinces have been without electricity for many hours, and most localities outside the capital, Havana, have power for a few hours a day.
