Cuba hit with another blackout as millions across island are left without electricity

Cuba's power grid experienced a collapse on Friday, plunging millions of individuals across the island into darkness. The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced the blackout via its official X account, though no specific cause was provided. The officials were said to have initiated "activating service-restoration protocols." Power grid failures have become a recurrent issue in recent years due to the severe economic crisis affecting the island.

They have intensified since January, following the United States' imposition of an energy blockade aimed at prompting a shift in Cuba's political framework. These restrictions impede Cuba's ability to import fuel necessary for operating thermoelectric power plants, as well as replacement components required to maintain aging infrastructure.

The island has recently experienced two nationwide blackouts in early August, joining others in July and March, along with numerous regional disruptions. Even when the national power grid functions, Cubans frequently face prolonged outages exceeding 30 consecutive hours.