In brief
Cuba is reeling from a nationwide power failure due to Hurricane Rafael, which unleashed winds of up to 185 km/h. The government has activated emergency protocols as the hurricane threatens the Caribbean island with storm surges and significant rainfall.
The threat of Hurricane Rafael intensified after it made landfall in western Cuba near Artemisa, prompting mass evacuations. Official reports indicate that over 70,000 residents were removed from vulnerable areas before the storm's arrival. The National Hurricane Center warned of potentially life-threatening storm surges and flash flooding across western Cuba and forecasted heavy rains that could last into Thursday. This blackout is a stark reminder of recent events, as Cuba had previously experienced a four-day power outage in September due to deteriorating infrastructure and fuel shortages affecting power generation. That incident coincided with Hurricane Oscar, emphasizing the precarious nature of Cuba's energy system, which struggled under the weight of two back-to-back storms. While Hurricane Rafael is expected to reduce in intensity as it passes through the island, it is predicted to maintain hurricane status as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. Local media reported concerns about heavy rains impacting not just Cuba but also the nearby Cayman Islands and triggering tropical storm warnings in the Florida Keys.In a testament to resilience, some residents, like British tourist Klara Kszczotek, expressed calm amid the chaos, relying on news updates to keep informed. Nonetheless, the urgent response by emergency services and the ongoing impacts on the nation’s infrastructure highlight the challenges faced by Cuba in the wake of severe weather events.
