Mar 22 • 02:43 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Cuba suffers second nationwide blackout in less than a week

Cuba experiences a second nationwide blackout in a week due to an overstretched power system affected by ageing infrastructure and US sanctions.

In Cuba, a second nationwide blackout struck over the weekend, leaving much of the country in darkness just days after a similar event. The frequent outages highlight the severe strain on Cuba's national power network, which is grappling with outdated infrastructure and the impact of a US oil blockade. Many residents in the capital, Havana, found themselves navigating the pitch-black streets using cellphone lights, while some businesses managed to operate with generators.

The aftermath of the blackout saw Havana's usually vibrant streets shrouded in darkness, causing frustration and concern among residents. Ofelia Oliva, a 64-year-old resident, expressed the growing desperation felt by many, stating, "This is becoming unbearable." With such frequent power outages, the quality of life in Cuba is diminishing, further complicating daily activities and the functioning of businesses, particularly in the tourism sector.

These blackouts not only reveal the weaknesses in Cuba's energy infrastructure but also reflect the broader economic challenges facing the island, exacerbated by external pressures like the US oil blockade. This situation raises important questions about the government's ability to manage energy resources and maintain essential services, stressing that without significant changes, the hardships faced by Cubans are likely to continue.

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