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Hurricane Rafael Causes Nationwide Blackout in Cuba

Hurricane Rafael caused a nationwide blackout in Cuba after making landfall as a category 3 hurricane, damaging infrastructure and exacerbating pre-existing electricity issues.

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French

France

Climate ChangeFranceEmergencyCubaHurricaneDamagePower Outage

National Hurricane Center (Nhc)Cuban National Electricity Company (Ue)Ministry Of Energy And Mines

Miguel Diaz-CanelLazaro GuerraVicente De La O Levy

What was the category and impact of Hurricane Rafael on Cuba?: Hurricane Rafael, a category 3 storm, hit western Cuba on November 6th, 2024, causing a nationwide blackout due to the collapse of the national power grid. The hurricane moved into the Gulf of Mexico after passing over the island.
What caused the widespread power outage in Cuba after Hurricane Rafael?: The hurricane's strong winds, reaching speeds of 130-140 km/h on the southwest coast and 110 km/h in Havana, caused widespread damage, including the destruction of power generators and transmission lines.
What actions did the Cuban government take in response to Hurricane Rafael?: The Cuban government issued warnings and implemented preventative measures before the hurricane hit, including evacuations in several provinces. President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed encouragement to the nation.
Describe the damage caused by Hurricane Rafael in areas like Candelaria and Havana.: Following the hurricane, streets were littered with debris, including tree branches, roof tiles, and pieces of concrete from damaged buildings. Havana's airports and Varadero's were closed, stranding tourists.
What was the pre-existing state of Cuba's electrical system before Hurricane Rafael?: Cuba's electrical system was already under strain, having experienced a four-day blackout in mid-October. The latest hurricane caused a second major power failure in two weeks, further exacerbating existing electricity shortages.

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