Cuba’s entire electrical grid collapsed on Friday, resulting in a nationwide blackout and widespread cellphone and internet outages across the island.
Cuba experienced a total power failure on Friday, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Havana. The embassy attributed the blackout to the “collapse of Cuba’s electrical grid.” Cuban state media reported that the cause of the collapse is currently under investigation, and the timeline for restoring power remains uncertain.
The U.S. Embassy advised all American citizens in Cuba or those planning to travel there to be aware of the situation and to plan accordingly. The embassy noted that there have been reports of cellphone and internet outages, emphasizing that Cuba’s electrical grid has become “increasingly unstable,” leading to “multiple” nationwide power outages in recent months.
The embassy further stated, “The electrical system remains vulnerable, and additional regular outages have been occurring more frequently and for longer periods. Scheduled power cuts occur daily, and unscheduled outages persist throughout Cuba.” The country’s energy ministry also addressed the power outage on social media platforms.
Cuba’s power system has been struggling due to a combination of fuel shortages, the U.S.-imposed oil blockade, and deteriorating infrastructure. Even during times without a national outage, the country frequently experiences rolling blackouts, leaving millions without electricity.
This latest national outage marks the seventh occurrence this year, following a similar blackout just last month. The ongoing energy crisis highlights the significant challenges facing the Cuban government and its ability to provide reliable electricity to its citizens.
According to Fox News, the situation underscores the broader issues affecting Cuba, including economic hardships and infrastructure failures that have persisted for years.