Hurricane Rafael knocks out power across Cuba and causes widespread damage

Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and knocking out the entire electrical grid. The storm affected the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana, but no casualties were reported due to evacuation efforts. Almost 100,000 people took shelter in Havana, with additional evacuations in other provinces. The hurricane intensified to a Category 3 just before landfall, leading to significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. As of Thursday morning, most of Cuba remained without power, with some isolated areas in central and eastern regions beginning to restore service. Authorities are assessing the damage, and major airports have reopened.