Hurricane Rafael causes nationwide blackout in Cuba affecting 10 million residents
Hurricane Rafael caused a nationwide blackout in Cuba on Wednesday, affecting all 10 million residents. The storm, now a Category 3 hurricane, made landfall in Artemisa province with winds nearing 115 mph, prompting evacuations and storm alerts in nine provinces, including Havana. The national power company attributed the blackout to strong winds from Rafael. This disaster follows a recent four-day blackout caused by a power plant failure, highlighting ongoing electricity issues amid Cuba's economic crisis. Airports in western Cuba have also been temporarily closed. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced military mobilization to assist with the storm response. Preparations included clearing drains and debris. Many residents reported being unable to access news due to the power outage.