Hurricane Rafael, a powerful Category 3 storm, has wreaked havoc on Cuba, causing a national power grid collapse and widespread evacuations. With wind speeds reaching 185 km/h, the hurricane left over 70,000 people displaced and disrupted everyday life across the island. Schools, public transport, and flights were suspended as authorities scrambled to protect residents from life-threatening storm surges and flash floods.
Cuba's infrastructure, already struggling from previous storms and economic challenges, faced further strain as the hurricane moved towards the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued warnings about the storm's potential to bring heavy rains to Florida, the northern Leeward Islands, and other parts of the Caribbean.
In Havana, home to 2 million people, the aging energy grid's collapse highlighted the island's vulnerability. Recent drops in oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico have compounded these issues, revealing the obsolescence of Cuba's power plants. This disaster comes shortly after another significant power outage in October, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
As Cuba grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, the broader Caribbean region remains on alert. The storm's trajectory remains uncertain, but its impact has already been devastating. Amidst an already above-average hurricane season, the resilience of communities throughout the region is being tested once again as they brace for potential future storms.
