In a recent announcement, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) revealed that on Saturday afternoon, the province of Granma managed to draw a minimal 5 MW of power from the National Electroenergetic System (SEN). This news was met with frustration and disbelief among the residents of Granma.
Reactions to UNE's announcement were filled with sarcasm and irritation. Comments like "5 MW is what a Russian washing machine uses," "What an achievement," and "This must be a joke on the people," reflect the local sentiment.
Many residents also shared their experiences with ongoing power outages in various municipalities. Ramon Marcelino expressed his discontent, saying, "In Jiguaní, since last Tuesday with Melissa's passing, there's been no power, except for the standard three-hour daily outages for Granma residents. There was never any energy priority before Melissa. The country is a disaster, and UNE and Granma's Electric Company are key players in this mess."
Another resident from Campechuela mentioned, "We only had power for two hours; it wasn't enough for anything."
Official reports indicate that over 45,000 homes have been damaged, predominantly with roof issues, and 14,000 people remain evacuated in state facilities in eastern Cuba due to the aftermath of Melissa.
The Cuban government has also acknowledged that more than 1,500 schools have been affected, and approximately 78,700 hectares of agricultural land, mostly banana crops, have been destroyed.
Despite claims from authorities that progress is being made in restoring electricity and water supply, citizens report a shortage of resources, slow recovery efforts, and extended power outages.
This Saturday, it was reported that over 100,000 customers in Holguín are still without electricity following Melissa's impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granma's Power Recovery
What was the reaction to Granma's power recovery announcement?
The announcement was met with sarcasm and frustration, with residents expressing disbelief and irritation over the minimal power recovery.
How have the power outages impacted Granma residents?
Residents have been dealing with prolonged power shortages, with reports of outages lasting since Tuesday in some areas, and insufficient electricity when it is available.
What are the broader impacts of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa has caused extensive damage to homes, schools, and agricultural land, leaving thousands of people evacuated and numerous regions still without power.