Cuba Faces Islandwide Power Outage Following Hurricane Rafael

Cuba has lost power across the entire island for the second time in two weeks due to Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that inflicted widespread damage, particularly in agricultural sectors. The storm has left residents facing uncertainty as they cope with recent outages and the government grapples with service provision amidst economic difficulties.

The entire island of Cuba is experiencing widespread power outages following Hurricane Rafael’s passage, marking the second such instance in two weeks. Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall that devastated the western regions, particularly impacting agricultural areas known for tobacco production. The storm resulted in significant downed trees and power lines, leaving the population vulnerable and prompting sentiments of frustration and despair. Residents of Havana emerged to assess the destruction, finding most businesses and schools closed and public transport services gradually resuming.

Cuba is currently facing challenges related to its outdated power infrastructure and the effects of adverse weather, compounded by economic difficulties due to strained relations with the United States and shortages from its primary ally, Venezuela. The hurricane season has been particularly active, with Rafael being the 17th named storm this season and the 11th hurricane to form this year. These environmental challenges unearth underlying vulnerabilities in Cuba’s infrastructure and pose grave risks to its population.

In conclusion, the passage of Hurricane Rafael has caused significant distress across Cuba, exacerbating issues related to power outages and the fragility of the nation’s infrastructure. The situation reflects not only immediate concerns such as food preservation and housing safety but also underscores broader socioeconomic challenges facing the island. Continuous weather threats highlight the urgent need for improvements in infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com