Cuba's Power Grid Collapses Again. And Then a Hurricane Hit

Millions of Cubans remained without power for a third day in a row on Sunday after fresh attempts to restore electricity failed overnight and the power grid collapsed for the fourth time. The fourth power grid failure in 48 hours was reported by Reuters. The U.S. National Hurricane Center stated that the center of Hurricane Oscar is expected to continue moving across eastern Cuba tonight and Monday, then emerge off the northern coast of Cuba late Monday and cross the central Bahamas on Tuesday. The Communist-run government canceled school through Wednesday, citing the hurricane and the ongoing energy crisis. Cuba had restored power to 160,000 clients in Havana just prior to the grid's Sunday collapse, giving some residents a glimmer of hope. Energy and mines minister Vicente de la O Levy told reporters earlier on Sunday he expected the grid to be fully functional by Monday or Tuesday but warned residents not to expect dramatic improvements. It was not immediately clear how much the latest setback would delay the government's efforts. The ongoing energy crisis and the approaching hurricane have caused significant disruptions in Cuba. The government's ability to restore power and address the crisis is being closely monitored by the public and international observers.