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Cuba Shuts Schools and Workplaces as Nationwide Blackout Leaves Millions Without Power

Oct 18, 2024, 06:43 PM

Cuba is grappling with widespread power outages, prompting the government to implement emergency measures, including shutting down non-essential state workplaces, schools, and industries. Authorities announced the closure of schools and cancellation of all events until at least October 20. The island's electrical generation capacity has fallen to 1,692 megawatts, significantly below the 3,300-megawatt demand, due to fuel shortages and infrastructure failures. On Friday, one of Cuba's major power plants, the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, failed, causing a nationwide blackout and leaving millions without electricity. More than a million homes are without running water, and traffic officers are stationed at intersections due to non-functioning traffic lights. The government is working to restore power after the national grid was completely disconnected at 11 a.m. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero cited fuel shortages and technical issues but reassured citizens that Cuba is "not yet in a bottomless abyss."