HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuba Extends School Closures and Work from Home Orders Amid Power Grid Collapse and Hurricane Oscar Devastation
Cuba announced on Wednesday that schools will remain closed and non-essential workers will continue to work from home until Sunday as the country faces challenges in the aftermath of a power grid collapse and Hurricane Oscar.
The eastern province of Guantanamo was severely impacted by Hurricane Oscar, which brought heavy rainfall and caused significant damage. The storm, coupled with the power grid collapse on Friday, has exacerbated existing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine in the country.
As a result of the crisis, there have been protests in various parts of Cuba, and officials reported seven fatalities due to the storm. The armed forces have been conducting rescue operations to help those affected by the natural disasters.
The storm has caused destruction to homes, roads, and agricultural lands, particularly in the major coffee-producing region. Communication and power outages are still prevalent in rural areas, with emergency workers working to restore services.
The United Nations has pledged support to assist Cuba in its recovery efforts following Hurricane Oscar. Despite stabilizing the electrical service, Cuba continues to face challenges in restoring power to all affected areas.
The country’s outdated power infrastructure has been strained this year due to decreased oil imports, leading to the grid collapse last Friday. The national electric company anticipates a generation deficit on Wednesday, leaving many Cubans without electricity.
In summary, Cuba is grappling with the aftermath of a power grid collapse and Hurricane Oscar, leading to widespread devastation and ongoing challenges in restoring essential services. The international community, including the United Nations, is offering support to aid in the recovery efforts.
