In brief
As Hurricane Rafael strikes, Cuba has plunged into darkness due to a national blackout initiated by fierce winds reaching 185 km/h. The hurricane made landfall in Artemisa province near Havana, leading to mass evacuations and emergency measures as the storm threatens to wreak havoc across the island.
With the hurricane causing significant disruption, the national energy company reported that its powerful winds forced a shutdown of the electricity system. This nationwide blackout comes on the heels of a similar crisis just weeks prior, when millions were left without power for four days due to lingering issues with the country's aging energy infrastructure. The heavy rains and potential mudslides forecasted in the wake of Hurricane Rafael raise additional concerns for residents.Local reports indicate that over 70,000 individuals were evacuated in anticipation of the storm’s impact, underscoring the severity of the threat posed by the hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns that, despite Rafael's expected weakening as it traverses Cuba, it will still be classified as a hurricane when it enters the Gulf of Mexico. Residents of the Cayman Islands are also advised as heavy rains are expected, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Florida Keys.In prior storms, such as Hurricane Oscar, the eastern province of Guantánamo experienced significant damage, prompting fears of repeated devastation. However, some travelers in the region, like British tourist Klara Kszczotek, remain optimistic, stating that they feel prepared and informed about the situation through media updates.Overall, with the dangers posed by Hurricane Rafael, Cuban authorities continue to manage emergency protocols while assessing damage and power restoration efforts.
