Cuba grapples with power outages following a grid collapse, as protests grow amid economic strains from a US blockade.
Cuba's grid operator announced the restoration of intermittent power on March 19 after the national electric grid collapsed on March 16, leaving large parts of the island without electricity for hours.
The collapse has worsened existing shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, which officials attribute to a US-imposed oil blockade. This blockade has strained the island's energy resources, leading to frequent blackouts that disrupt daily life.
Public Protests Escalate
In Havana, small groups of residents have banged pots in recent days to protest the extended blackouts, marking a visible expression of public frustration. On March 14, a rare violent protest occurred in northern Cuba, where demonstrators set a building ablaze amid the outages.
These events highlight the growing tensions on the island, as blackouts lasting hours or days have become more common. The protests represent one of the few public challenges to the government in recent years.
Amid the crisis, US President Donald Trump commented on Cuba during a White House event in early March, stating that the island was "ready to fall" and hinting at possible US intervention. His remarks add an international dimension to the domestic struggles.
The BBC's Cuba correspondent, Will Grant, reported from the island, noting the challenges faced by residents as they cope with the intermittent power supply. While power restoration efforts continue, the underlying issues of fuel shortages persist due to external pressures.
Experts from the grid operator have not provided a full timeline for complete recovery, but officials are working to stabilize the system. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further disruptions as Cuba navigates these economic and energy challenges.
In related developments, the outages have impacted various sectors, including healthcare and transportation, exacerbating the island's vulnerabilities. Residents are adapting by using alternative energy sources where available, though access remains limited.
