Cuba faces recovery challenges after Hurricane Rafael causes widespread damage and power outages

Cuba is recovering from Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that struck the island, causing widespread power outages and infrastructure damage. Approximately 50,000 people sought shelter in Havana and surrounding areas due to flooding and unsafe housing. As of Thursday, power restoration efforts are underway, but progress is slow. The hurricane has weakened to a Category 2 as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. No fatalities have been reported, but the storm follows a series of recent disasters in Cuba, including previous hurricanes and energy crises. Classes and public transport have been suspended in parts of the island, and flights in and out of Havana have been canceled. The storm is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is expected to be above average this year.