In brief
As Hurricane Rafael makes landfall, the Cuban electricity grid has collapsed, impacting cities and prompting mass evacuations while residents brace for severe weather conditions.
Cuba has plunged into darkness as Hurricane Rafael, a powerful category-three storm with winds reaching 185km/h (115mph), wreaks havoc across the island. A statement from the national energy company announced that the "major winds caused by Hurricane Rafael prompted the shutdown of the national electricity system," leading to a country-wide blackout. Emergency protocols have been activated to address the situation. The hurricane made landfall in the western province of Artemisa near Havana at approximately 16:15 local time (21:15 GMT), according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). In preparation for the storm, local authorities evacuated over 70,000 residents from their vulnerable homes. As the storm progresses, the NHC warns of potential storm surges, flash flooding, and mudslides affecting western Cuba. Hurricane Rafael marks another severe weather event following a recent blackout that left millions without power for four days due to the island’s deteriorating energy infrastructure. This prior blackout occurred against the backdrop of Hurricane Oscar, which claimed six lives and caused extensive damage. Although Rafael is expected to weaken slightly as it traverses Cuba, meteorologists indicate that it will maintain hurricane status when it emerges into the Gulf of Mexico. Heavy rain is also anticipated in the Cayman Islands, with tropical storm warnings currently in effect for the Florida Keys. Some locals remain unfazed by the storm. British tourist Klara Kszczotek reassured, "I guess we are not really scared, because we are watching the news, so for now I think we are fine." As Cuba braces for the aftermath of Rafael, the situation remains fluid with ongoing assessments of damage and recovery efforts.
