Cuba Left Without Power After Hurricane Rafael Strikes

HAVANA, Nov 7, 2024 – Cuba is experiencing a nationwide power outage for the second time in two weeks after Hurricane Rafael hit the island’s western region. The Category 3 storm, with winds reaching 185 km/h (115 mph), caused severe damage to crops, trees, and power lines.

Rafael made landfall late Wednesday, battering Cuba’s farmlands, including the tobacco-growing regions of Artemisa and Pinar del Rio. The storm left residents without power and caused significant destruction to agriculture, despite efforts by farmers to protect stored tobacco leaves and other crops.

While Havana saw relatively dry streets, the island remains highly vulnerable due to aging infrastructure and poor housing conditions. The storm has now weakened as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, but authorities are still warning of dangerous conditions, including storm surges and potential flash floods.

Cuba’s 10 million residents are coping with the aftermath, and efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage.