A widespread blackout occurred in Cuba due to a power grid failure
A nationwide power outage was reported in Cuba on Monday, July 6. The country’s Ministry of Energy reported a complete failure of the national power grid.
The power grid operator is currently investigating the causes of the outage and working to restore power.
It is worth noting that the island has been facing large-scale power outages regularly for several years. Cuba’s power grid is outdated and is finding it increasingly difficult to handle the load, especially amid fuel shortages and an economic crisis.
This year, the situation worsened after the U.S. forced Cuba’s main suppliers to halt oil shipments. In March, the country experienced at least two complete blackouts within a single week.
Power problems are already affecting basic aspects of daily life. The energy crisis has put pressure on education, transportation, healthcare, and other critical services. U.S. sanctions remain an additional factor.
New U.S. restrictions have further worsened the economic situation in Cuba and, according to Cuban officials, have prevented some tourists from visiting the island. Washington claims that economic pressure is intended to force the Cuban government to open up its closed political system and allow foreign direct investment.
Last month, Cuba’s National Assembly approved a broad package of reforms aimed at opening up the economy. The country’s foreign trade minister told CNN that these decisions were not made under external pressure. The U.S. State Department, for its part, called the Cuban reforms “modest, long overdue, and ultimately superficial smoke signals” from the government.
Despite the tensions, U.S. and Cuban officials have held several meetings in recent weeks. In May, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met in Havana with the heads of Cuban intelligence agencies, and the commander of U.S. Southern Command held talks with high-ranking Cuban military officials near the perimeter of the Guantanamo Naval Base.
At the same time, Washington accuses Cuban officials of allegedly allowing Russia and China to deploy eavesdropping facilities on the island and of acting against U.S. interests in the region. Cuba rejects these accusations.
Commenting on the humanitarian situation on the island, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, accused the U.S. of collectively punishing the Cuban people.
“What is happening today against our people is genocide,” he said.
CNN reported this.
Nearly 10 million people in Cuba were left without power due to a blackout.
Earlier, Trump spoke about a possible resumption of dialogue between the two countries. CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Havana as part of the U.S. delegation.
