Cuba's national electric grid collapses, leaving millions without power Cuba's national electric grid collapsed on Monday, the country's grid operator said, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that has crippled the island's already obsolete generation system. Grid operator UNE announced on social media it was investigating the causes of the blackout, the latest in a series of widespread outages that have persisted for hours or days. This weekend’s outages sparked a rare violent protest in the communist-run country. Officials ruled out a major power plant failure but had not yet identified the root cause of the grid collapse, suggesting a problem with transmission. Efforts to restore power began with small clusters of circuits, or microsystems, across the country, an early but necessary step in bringing the full grid back online. The United States has intensified pressure on Cuba this year, particularly after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s most important foreign benefactor, in January. U.S. President Donald Trump cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to the island, further straining Cuba’s already antiquated grid. Cuba has entered talks with the United States in hopes of resolving the crisis. Trump has claimed recently that Cuba is on the verge of collapse and is eager to negotiate a deal. Cubans have grown accustomed to power outages, which are often linked to oil supply shortages or systemic failures in the grid. According to LSEG ship tracking data, Cuba has received only two small oil shipments this year. The first tanker, from Mexico, arrived in January at the Havana port, while the second, from Jamaica, delivered liquefied petroleum gas in February.#us #venezuela #cuba #une #cuba_grid
Trump says he’ll have the ‘honor’ of ‘taking’ Cuba: ‘I can do anything’ The Trump administration’s oil blockade, which has cut off fuel supplies to Cuba, led to the collapse of the country’s electrical grid on Monday, triggering an island-wide blackout. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Cuba’s communist government, warned again that he would take action to overthrow the regime. In a statement, Trump claimed he had the authority and capability to intervene, asserting that he could “do anything” to address what he describes as Cuba’s oppressive system. The blackout, which affected nearly all of Cuba, disrupted daily life and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and transportation systems. Officials in Havana confirmed that the power outage was caused by the lack of fuel for generators, a direct consequence of the U.S. sanctions targeting Cuba’s oil imports. The crisis has drawn international attention, with some analysts noting the broader implications of the Trump administration’s policies on global energy markets and diplomatic relations. Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Cuba, which have been strained by decades of political and economic sanctions. The president has previously framed his approach as a means to pressure the Cuban government into political reform, though critics argue that the measures have disproportionately impacted the Cuban population. The recent blackout has intensified calls for a reassessment of the sanctions, with some lawmakers and advocacy groups urging the administration to consider humanitarian concerns. The situation highlights the complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy and the practical challenges faced by countries under sanctions.#donald_trump #cuba #u_s_sanctions #cuban_government #international_relations
Strong earthquake jolts Cuba, shallow depth reported A magnitude 6 earthquake struck Cuba on Tuesday, according to reports from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), a factor that can amplify the effects of ground shaking. Authorities have not yet reported any damage or casualties, though they are monitoring the situation closely. The seismic event was noted for its proximity to populated areas, raising concerns about potential impacts. However, initial assessments suggest that the shallow depth may have contributed to stronger shaking but did not result in significant structural harm. Emergency services are currently evaluating the situation to ensure public safety and address any immediate needs. While the earthquake has drawn attention, it is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity in the region. Cuba’s location along the Caribbean tectonic plate boundary makes it susceptible to such events, though the frequency and intensity of quakes can vary. Scientists emphasize that while the tremor was notable, it does not indicate an imminent increase in seismic risk. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official updates, as further activity cannot be ruled out. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness in seismically active regions, particularly for communities in coastal and urban areas. No additional details about the quake’s origin or long-term implications were immediately available, but experts are expected to provide further analysis in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that any potential risks are addressed promptly and effectively.#seismic_activity #cuba #emergency_services #european_mediterranean_seismological_centre #caribbean_tectonic_plate
Significant Earthquake of Magnitude 5.9 Just Reported 47 km Southeast of Baracoa, Cuba A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Baracoa, Cuba, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 12:28 am local time. The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers below the surface, approximately 47 kilometers southeast of Baracoa, in the Municipio de Baracoa, Provincia de Guantanamo. The event was first recorded by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), with subsequent reports from France’s Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RéNaSS), which listed the quake at 5.1, and the RaspberryShake citizen-seismograph network and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), both noting a magnitude of 5.9. Earthquakes of this magnitude are typically detected by multiple agencies, and initial reports may vary in accuracy. Based on preliminary data, the quake was likely felt by many residents in the epicenter area. While significant structural damage is not expected, minor effects such as objects falling from shelves and broken windows may have occurred. Nearby populated areas, including Maisi (population 28,300), Baracoa (population 48,400), Rio Guayabal de Yateras (population 25,800), and Guantanamo (population 272,800), should have experienced light shaking. The earthquake’s location and depth suggest it could have triggered localized ground vibrations, but no major casualties or infrastructure failures were reported. VolcanoDiscovery, a platform tracking geological activity, noted the event and encouraged individuals to share their experiences to enhance understanding of the quake’s impact. Further details about the quake’s effects and any potential aftershocks will be updated as additional data becomes available.#earthquake #cuba #baracoa #emsc #rass
Island-wide power outage leaves much of Cuba without electricity amid deepening crisis Cuban authorities announced a widespread power outage on Monday, affecting millions of residents across the island as the nation grapples with a worsening energy and economic crisis. The Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed the blackout resulted from a "complete disconnection" of the national electrical grid, with officials launching an investigation to determine the exact cause. The incident marks another significant setback for Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, which has been increasingly strained by fuel shortages and deteriorating facilities. President Miguel Díaz-Canel highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the country has gone over three months without receiving oil shipments. This has forced the government to rely on limited supplies of solar energy, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants to meet demand. The energy crisis has disrupted critical services, with officials reporting that thousands of medical procedures have been delayed due to insufficient electricity and fuel supplies in hospitals. The halt in oil imports from Venezuela, following the U.S. military attack on the South American nation in early January and the arrest of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, has exacerbated the problem. Despite producing about 40% of the petroleum it consumes, Cuba still depends heavily on imports to power its electricity system. Even with domestic production and alternative energy sources, officials say supply shortages persist as the nation’s electrical infrastructure continues to degrade. Recent years have seen repeated power outages across the country, attributed to fuel shortages, equipment failures, and the aging of power plants.#united_states #nicolas_maduro #cuba #miguel_dazcanel #ministry_of_energy_and_mines
Cuba reports island-wide blackout as country struggles with energy crisis Officials in Cuba reported a widespread power outage across the nation on Monday, affecting its 11 million residents as the country grapples with deepening energy and economic challenges. The government attributed the crisis to a U.S. energy embargo, which it claims has worsened by President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs on nations supplying oil to the United States. The Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed a "complete disconnection" of the country’s electrical grid, stating it was investigating the cause. President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed that Cuba had not received oil shipments in over three months, forcing the government to rely on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants. He also disclosed that delays in medical services have led to postponed surgeries for tens of thousands of patients. A major blackout occurred earlier in the week, disrupting power in the western regions and leaving millions without electricity. The crisis has been compounded by the suspension of critical oil imports from Venezuela, which were halted after the U.S. attacked the South American nation in early January and arrested its then-president, Nicolás Maduro. Despite producing 40% of its petroleum and generating its own power, Cuba’s electric grid has continued to deteriorate, failing to meet growing demand. Díaz-Canel announced ongoing discussions with the U.S. government as the situation worsens, highlighting the nation’s urgent need for energy solutions. The blackout underscores the severe strain on Cuba’s infrastructure and its reliance on external energy sources amid prolonged economic hardship.#venezuela #donald_trump #cuba #miguel_dazcanel #nicols_maduro
Cal Quantrill, a right-handed pitcher for Canada, is set to start the decisive Pool A game against Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, a match that will determine Canada’s advancement to the quarterfinals. The game, scheduled for Wednesday, marks a critical moment in the tournament as both teams enter with identical 2-1 records, trailing Puerto Rico’s 3-1 tally. Quantrill, who signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers in February, made it clear his commitment to representing Canada outweighed any potential conflict with his new team. Quantrill, who previously pitched for the Cleveland Guardians in the 2022 American League Division Series, emphasized the importance of competing in the WBC, calling it “a little like the playoffs.” He noted that while the tournament’s rules limit pitching appearances, the preparation remains consistent with high-stakes games. “You really can't afford to take a game off,” he said, adding that his routine for the Cuba matchup would mirror his approach in the postseason. Canada’s path to the quarterfinals became clear after a 4-3 loss to Panama on Sunday eliminated any alternate routes to advancement. The team’s focus now centers on securing a win against Cuba, a task Quantrill is eager to tackle. “I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity,” he said, reflecting on his decision to prioritize the WBC over spring training. The Rangers, he added, were understanding of his choice. The Canadians’ strategy against Cuba includes leveraging data on the team’s hitters, as Quantrill admitted he is unfamiliar with many of the Cuban players. Cuba is expected to start left-handed pitcher Livan Moinelo, a star from the NPB, who will benefit from four days of rest between outings. Blue Jays reliever Yariel Rodriguez, who has already pitched 4.1 innings in two games, is likely to follow Moinelo.#world_baseball_classic #canada #cal_quantrill #cuba #livian_moinelo
