Cuba begins restoring power after nationwide blackout

Cuba is gradually restoring electricity across much of the country after a massive blackout. According to the Ministry of Energy, the power grid has been reconnected from the western province of Pinar del Río to the east of the country, although some areas, including Cuba’s second-largest city Santiago de Cuba, remain without electricity.

The collapse of the national power grid on Monday affected around ten million people. The outage is linked to a long-running energy crisis exacerbated by fuel shortages and outdated infrastructure.

Even after the partial restoration of the grid, electricity generation remains limited and residents face frequent outages. In Havana, even before the collapse, power cuts routinely lasted more than 16 hours a day.

Tensions with the United States are exacerbating the situation. President Donald Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric towards Havana, while negotiations are under way to defuse the crisis.

The energy situation in Cuba is among the worst in recent years and is severely affecting daily life, from food supplies to access to water.

(reuters, lud)