Cuba faces widespread damage and power outages as Hurricane Rafael strikes

Cuba faced significant damage Thursday as Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, struck the island, knocking out the power grid. The storm caused flooding and destruction, particularly in Havana, where many streets were left dark and deserted. As Rafael weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, it moved into the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban government suspended classes and public transport, canceled flights, and evacuated thousands in western areas as a precaution. This hurricane follows a recent period of turmoil for Cuba, which experienced widespread blackouts and another deadly hurricane in October. The ongoing economic crisis has led to increased migration from the island.