Hurricane Approaches, 10 Million Cubans Face Power Outages

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Millions of Cubans are experiencing a third consecutive day without power as Hurricane Oscar approaches the island. As of Saturday, only 16% of power was restored, but broader restoration efforts failed overnight, according to the Cuban Electrical Union.

The nation’s aging power infrastructure was overwhelmed, leading to multiple outages. Since Friday, Cuba's power grid has completely failed three times, leaving many of the country’s 10 million residents facing blackouts or severely interrupted service.

The outages are exacerbating existing issues, as Cuba's water supply and food preservation methods rely heavily on a functioning electric grid. Hurricane Oscar, with sustained winds of 80 mph, made landfall in the Bahamas early Sunday and is expected to hit eastern Cuba later in the day, bringing damaging winds and high surf.

The National Hurricane Center stated that Oscar may weaken after landfall but could still be classified as a tropical storm as it moves north of Cuba. A hurricane warning is in effect for the northern coasts of Holguin and Guantanamo provinces.

In response to the crisis, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz indicated that significant portions of economic production were halted to prioritize power generation for the population. Meanwhile, health facilities are operating on generators to ensure vital services continue, as assured by Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda in a recent social media update.