More than 10 million people have had power cut to their homes and businesses across Cuba after the country's national electrical grid collapsed for the second time in a week. Cuba's energy ministry said 'a total disconnection of the National Electrical System has occurred', in a statement posted on social media. 'Protocols for restoration are already beginning to be implemented.' Cuba's grid operator UNE said it was gradually recovering electricity, prioritising 'vital' centres including hospitals and water systems. The Caribbean country has suffered three major blackouts this month as a US fuel blockade cuts off foreign oil imports, required to keep power stations running.
The Communist-run country has an ageing electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages. A coalition of international socialist groups arrived in Havana over the weekend to show their support for the Cuban government, bringing with them aid donations of solar panels, basic food kits and medicines. The 'Nuestra America' convoy, a flotilla of aid leaving Mexico, was delayed because of rough sea conditions but is expected to arrive in Havana's port on Monday.
Rare public dissent sparked by the recent crisis and national power cuts saw locals banging pots and pans in central Havana on Monday. Protesters in central Cuba's town of Morón also attacked and set fire to the Communist Party headquarters on the same day. Unauthorized demonstrations are illegal in Cuba, and those who defy the ban risk being jailed.
In response to the ongoing power crisis, President Trump noted the potential for a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, while Cuban officials stated that their political system is 'not up for negotiation'. The American and Cuban governments have engaged in initial talks about the crisis, though the details remain unclear.
The Communist-run country has an ageing electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages. A coalition of international socialist groups arrived in Havana over the weekend to show their support for the Cuban government, bringing with them aid donations of solar panels, basic food kits and medicines. The 'Nuestra America' convoy, a flotilla of aid leaving Mexico, was delayed because of rough sea conditions but is expected to arrive in Havana's port on Monday.
Rare public dissent sparked by the recent crisis and national power cuts saw locals banging pots and pans in central Havana on Monday. Protesters in central Cuba's town of Morón also attacked and set fire to the Communist Party headquarters on the same day. Unauthorized demonstrations are illegal in Cuba, and those who defy the ban risk being jailed.
In response to the ongoing power crisis, President Trump noted the potential for a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, while Cuban officials stated that their political system is 'not up for negotiation'. The American and Cuban governments have engaged in initial talks about the crisis, though the details remain unclear.
