Hurricane Oscar struck eastern Cuba, leaving millions without power. In Havana, residents struggled to cope with the blackout, with children even sleeping outside to escape the heat. Schools have been closed until Thursday as the nation battles to restore electricity after multiple failed attempts.
Oscar made landfall in Baracoa as a Category 1 storm, later weakening to a tropical storm. The National Hurricane Center forecasted heavy rainfall in eastern Cuba and parts of the Bahamas. The power grid collapse in Havana has led to protests, with residents questioning the government’s response to the crisis.
Tourists roam the streets in classic cars while hotels face fuel shortages for generators. The airport operates on emergency power, causing chaos for travelers. The Cuban government cancels classes and instructs non-essential workers to stay home.
Officials attribute the energy crisis to US sanctions, recent hurricanes, and infrastructure issues. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz admitted to halting production to prioritize power generation. Health facilities rely on generators to maintain vital services.
Despite the challenges, Cubans display resilience as they navigate the ongoing blackout, demonstrating solidarity and adaptability in the face of adversity.
CNN’s Mia Alberti, Gene Norman, Rob Shackelford, Verónica Calderón, and Gerardo Lemos contributed to this report.