• Cuba begins restoring power after Hurricane Rafael blackout
• Around 70,000 people were evacuated
• The western regions suffered extensive flooding and property damage

Cuba begins restoring power after Hurricane Rafael blackout 

Cuba is working to restore power following a nationwide blackout caused by Hurricane Rafael. The storm, packing winds of up to 185 km/h (115 mph), left much of the country in the dark after battering the island on Wednesday. This marks the second major power outage in recent weeks.  

Ahead of the storm, around 70,000 people were evacuated due to warnings of severe flooding, storm surges, and mudslides. 

President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and the capital, Havana, were hit hardest. “Every step from this point forward is geared towards recovery. Together we will do it,” he added.

The western regions suffered extensive flooding and property damage, leaving most of the nation’s 10 million residents without power. In Havana, residents worked to clear mud, debris, and fallen branches, while towns in Artemisa reported damaged homes and downed power lines along major roads.  

This latest blackout comes just weeks after Hurricane Oscar. Despite the destruction, no fatalities have been reported.