Islandwide Blackout Leaves Millions in Darkness
Cuba is slowly recovering from a nationwide power outage triggered by Hurricane Rafael, which battered the island with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). The storm left over ten million residents without electricity as it swept through, damaging homes, uprooting trees, and toppling power lines. Restoration efforts began immediately, with the Energy and Mines Ministry reporting progress in eastern and central regions, although western Cuba, hardest hit by the storm, faces longer delays. Havana, with its two million residents, remained without power late into Thursday.
Rafael Weakens in Gulf, but Threats Persist
After crossing Cuba, Rafael weakened in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). However, forecasters warned that the storm’s sustained winds and storm surges could still pose significant risks to the Cuban coast, already vulnerable due to its aging infrastructure.
Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure
Hurricane Rafael cut through Cuba approximately 60 km (40 miles) west of Havana, affecting the renowned tobacco-growing areas in Artemisa and Pinar del Rio. Farmers took action to protect tobacco leaves, as well as fruits and vegetables, ahead of the storm’s arrival, said Agriculture Minister Ydael Perez Brito. Yet, the impact on infrastructure was severe; buildings in Havana’s historic center, like the home of security guard Jose Ignacio Dimas, suffered extensive damage due to age and lack of maintenance.
Residents Face Déjà Vu as Storms Compound Economic Strain
For many Cubans, Hurricane Rafael’s destruction felt all too familiar, marking the second major storm and blackout in just two weeks. President Miguel Diaz-Canel’s office announced the mobilization of military units to aid recovery efforts, promising, “As we have always done since the revolution, we will overcome this situation.” Yet, many residents expressed doubts about the government’s ability to manage the crisis. Ongoing economic challenges, exacerbated by strained relations with the US and the limited resources of allies like Venezuela, have fueled a sense of frustration and uncertainty. “I am desperate. The roof is gone, and I don’t know what to do,” said Marta Leon Castro, 57, who lost her home’s roof to the storm.
Rafael Caps Off a Busy Hurricane Season
Hurricane Rafael, the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is only the eighth major Category 3 hurricane or stronger to form in November over the past 60 years. The 2024 hurricane season has been unusually active, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting 17 to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major ones. Rafael is the fifth major hurricane of this season, continuing a pattern of intensified storms that experts attribute to climate factors shaping the Atlantic’s activity.
