Millions in Cuba remain without power as Hurricane Oscar makes landfall
Millions remain without power in Cuba for a third consecutive day as slow progress is made in restoring electricity following three major grid failures.
HAVANA — Millions remained without power in Cuba for a third consecutive day as slow progress is made in restoring electricity following multiple major grid failures.
Power is expected to be restored to everyone on the island by Tuesday, the minister of energy and mines, Vicente de la O Levy, told reporters at a news conference Sunday. The announcement, however, came before the Energy and Mines Ministry reported a fourth grid failure.
Levy warned that even with the power restored, “we will continue to have blackouts because we continue with the lack of fuel.” He said the government is “in conversations” to acquire fuel.
Hurricane Oscar, a Category 1 storm, made landfall on eastern Cuba's northern coast Sunday evening with sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm could put an end to the power recovery efforts if it affects the plants in its path.
Levy blamed the U.S.' “brutal blockade” for the financial difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts for Cuba's power plants, as well as for the current electric power crisis. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other top leaders have also blamed the U.S. embargo on Cuba.
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