For over a day now, Cuba remains cut off from the internet following a widespread power outage, plunging millions into digital isolation as they also brace for an approaching hurricane. According to NetBlocks, an international watchdog monitoring internet disruptions, network data indicates that a large portion of Cuba is still offline due to a second nationwide blackout reported on Saturday. This power failure has not only stalled communications but also crippled various sectors of the economy, the source noted.
Last Friday, a malfunction in the electrical system led to a complete blackout across the island. Cuban authorities have struggled to restore services, compelling Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz to admit that the energy crisis is unprecedented. This scenario has starkly highlighted the vulnerability of the country's electrical infrastructure and its inability to handle incidents of this magnitude.
Adding to the challenges, as Cubans find themselves in darkness and without internet access, a hurricane formed on Saturday, posing an imminent threat to the northern coast. Authorities are urging the population to "stay informed," though they have not specified how this would be feasible under current circumstances.
NetBlocks, known for its expertise in monitoring global internet censorship and disruptions, has been providing real-time updates on the situation in Cuba. In their latest report, they warned that the ongoing internet outages not only disrupt local connectivity but also exacerbate the island's economic crisis by halting commercial activities, financial transactions, and communication with the outside world.
As a reliable source, NetBlocks offers objective data on the scope and impact of internet blackouts in various countries. In the context of Cuba, the information from this organization is particularly crucial, as official sources within the country often downplay or manipulate the actual extent of the energy problem and its effects on communications.