Cuba Faces Devastation from Hurricane Rafael

Hurricane Rafael has struck Cuba with formidable force, resulting in a nationwide blackout due to the collapse of the state-owned electricity company's power grid. As a Category 3 storm, it brought winds exceeding 115 mph, wreaking havoc particularly in the southwest.

The storm's impact is compounded by an already deteriorating infrastructure, which has struggled to withstand such severe weather events. The National Hurricane Center has issued urgent warnings about life-threatening storm surges and flash floods.

Amidst this crisis, President Miguel Diaz-Canel has committed to visiting the affected areas to oversee recovery efforts. This disaster comes on the heels of a previous power plant failure, highlighting the vulnerability of Cuba's energy systems.

As the island grapples with the aftermath, the need for resilient infrastructure and effective disaster management has never been more critical.