Power grid in Cuba collapsed again nationwide on Monday

A nationwide power outage struck Cuba on Monday, plunging the country into darkness once again amid sweltering heat. Schools have been forced to close, and hospitals are reportedly struggling to provide adequate care to patients. Experts have raised alarms about the potential for a humanitarian crisis. The electrical grid collapsed for the second time in quick succession after authorities had made progress in restoring power following a previous island-wide blackout during the night before Sunday. State media confirmed the incident, citing officials who described the failure as triggered by fluctuations in the system despite recent improvements. Lazaro Manuel Alonso, head of news at state-run Cuban television, stated that “despite today’s advancements, a fluctuation caused the collapse.” In Havana, more residents are sleeping along the famous seaside promenade known as the Malecón, seeking relief from the heat through the sea breeze. This marks the sixth nationwide blackout since March, according to reports from the Associated Press. In July alone, Cuba experienced three blackouts within nine days. Power disruptions have become increasingly frequent, with millions of Cubans regularly left without electricity. The situation has led to repeated protests over the severe restrictions imposed by the energy crisis. Protests erupted in May, with numerous Cubans demonstrating in several outer districts. Demonstrators set fire to trash and blocked roads, marking the largest such demonstrations in Havana since the onset of the major energy crisis earlier this year, as reported by Reuters. Cuba faces challenges stemming from fuel shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. The government in Havana attributes these issues to the long-standing U.S. trade embargo. A U.S.-imposed oil export ban has further strained the island's energy infrastructure, especially after Venezuela, its primary supplier of fuel, became unavailable. The U.S. government, however, attributes the power failures to mismanagement within Cuba’s state-run economy. Former President Donald Trump hinted at a possible “takeover” of Cuba in March, though he did not elaborate on what form such a takeover would take or how it might align with international law. Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea south of the United States. Fuel shortages have exacerbated problems in other areas, compounding the already dire living conditions for the population. Without electricity, available food spoils in refrigerators. Telephone and internet connections frequently fail. Hospitals must reduce their services, and school and university classes are being canceled. Waste accumulates on streets due to limited garbage collection capabilities, worsening public health concerns. Experts warn that Cuba could be heading toward a humanitarian catastrophe.