Cuba's Western Region Plunged into Darkness: Massive Power Outage Highlights Worsening Energy Crisis

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A massive power outage struck Cuba's western region, including Havana, on Wednesday, leaving millions without electricity. The blackout, caused by a transmission line failure, lasted nearly 12 hours and snarled activities across the capital and beyond. The power grid was eventually restored by Wednesday afternoon, but officials warned that electricity generation deficits persist. For residents of Havana, the power outage was just the latest in a series of chronic outages blamed on Cuba's crumbling electric grid. The situation has been exacerbated by the island's severe economic crisis, which deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has been further strained by US sanctions and a failed internal financial reform. Small businesses, such as cafes, were able to continue operating using generators, but many residents were left without essential services, including water and internet. The power outage has highlighted the need for urgent maintenance of Cuba's aging thermal power plants, which have been operating for over 30 years with little upkeep. The eastern half of Cuba is also still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which slammed into the region in late October. Thousands of residents remain without power, water, or proper shelter nearly two months after the storm hit. The Cuban government has implemented a solar park program with international support, but it remains in its early stages. As the power outage demonstrates, Cuba's energy crisis continues to worsen, affecting not only the country's fragile business sector but also its residents' daily lives.