Yudelkis Ortiz, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Granma, has publicly acknowledged that the eastern provinces of the country will not receive prioritized electricity supply as Hurricane Melissa approaches. This admission discards the notion of an alleged backup plan for the area.
In a video shared on Facebook, Ortiz conceded that major power plants in eastern Cuba, such as Felton in Holguín and Rente in Santiago de Cuba, will be disconnected from the National Electric System. This decision is due to operational safety concerns and vulnerability to the impending storm.
"We are going to be without electricity. We need to find alternative ways to keep ourselves informed about the main updates," Ortiz stated, emphasizing the importance of staying alert to official guidelines despite the impending widespread blackout.
Widespread Blackouts and Acknowledgment of Shortages
Ortiz’s statements confirm that residents in eastern Cuba will face power outages during Hurricane Melissa's passage. This situation exacerbates the plight of communities already dealing with shortages of food, water, and communication means.
She also warned of the challenges following the hurricane: "We must focus on protecting ourselves. Recovery will follow, but it will be tough and challenging given the current resource shortages," she cautioned.
Her remarks highlight the frailty of the national energy system and the absence of emergency infrastructure to maintain basic services during natural disasters.
No Electricity or Reliable Information
When asked by a citizen how to stay informed without electricity, Ortiz mentioned that authorities would try to use "alternative means" to communicate event phases, though she did not specify how or ensure communication with rural or isolated areas.
This admission of a lack of electricity in vast eastern areas adds to a week already filled with citizen complaints about food scarcity, lack of evacuation plans, and governmental neglect. These issues arise as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds exceeding 183 mph, nears the region.
Impact of Power Outages During Hurricane Melissa
How will the electricity shutdown affect the eastern provinces during Hurricane Melissa?
The electricity shutdown will leave residents without power, worsening the situation in areas already facing shortages of food, water, and communication. It also poses significant challenges for staying informed during the storm.
What alternatives are being proposed for communication during the power outage?
Authorities have suggested using "alternative means" for communication, although specific details and methods for ensuring contact with rural or isolated areas have not been clarified.
What are the long-term implications of the power plant disconnections in eastern Cuba?
The disconnection of power plants underscores the vulnerability of Cuba's energy infrastructure and highlights the need for better emergency preparedness and resource management to ensure basic services during future natural disasters.