Cuba has faced a significant crisis as its entire electrical grid collapsed on Monday, leading to a complete power outage that left approximately 10 million residents in darkness. The outage began at 1:54 p.m. local time, with the U.S. Embassy in Cuba confirming that it affected all regions, including the major metropolitan area of Havana. This incident represents a severe escalation in the ongoing energy crisis on the island, which has been a source of frustration and discontent among the population.

The blackout comes just days after protests erupted in Cuba, with demonstrators expressing their anger towards the government for its inability to address the persistent energy issues. Footage from the protests showed crowds attacking a local Communist Party headquarters, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among the populace concerning the government’s handling of energy supply crises. The timing of the blackout has led to speculation about the possible connection between the protests and the collapse of the electrical grid, raising questions about civil unrest in the country.

Efforts are currently underway to restore power across the island, with reports indicating that electricity is gradually being returned to certain areas. The Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines is actively investigating the causes of the failure as they work to restore normalcy. This event underscores the fragility of Cuba's infrastructure and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, as the population remains on edge amid ongoing economic and political challenges.