U.S. Embassy in Cuba suspends all services this Monday.

The U.S. Embassy in Cuba suspended all services this Monday due to the general collapse of the electrical system in the country, and will only be open for emergency cases, as announced this Sunday.

The diplomatic representation issued a security alert for American citizens and visa applicants in Cuba, warning that "due to power outages," this Monday, September 21, the consular section will remain open exclusively to provide emergency services.

In contrast, "all routine services, including appointments for U.S. citizens and immigrant and non-immigrant visas, will be rescheduled," the statement indicated.

It also clarified that "it is not necessary to contact the Embassy" because "information about rescheduled appointments will be sent directly to the applicants."

The note also specified that U.S. citizens who need emergency assistance should call +(53) (7) 839-4100; and after hours, they should dial 1, then 0, or send an email to the address ACSHavana@state.gov.

The U.S. embassy in Havana advised citizens of that country who are in Cuba to take precautionary measures such as: staying informed through local media, storing water and food, keeping their mobile phones charged, reviewing contingency plans, and staying in frequent contact with family and friends.

He also urged them to register on the site step.state.gov to receive security updates.

This Sunday, the Cuban government announced the suspension of all non-essential administrative and teaching activities in the country from Monday to Wednesday, due to the passage of Hurricane Oscar through the eastern part of the country and the efforts to restore the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), which has been completely collapsed since last Friday.

Only essential services for the population will be maintained, according to a brief statement issued by the authorities.

However, as early as last Thursday - one day before the disconnection of the SEN - the government had announced the paralysis of the country due to an electrical emergency, implementing measures that would take effect on Friday, in order to reduce electricity consumption and "preserve" the service to the residential sector as much as possible.

Among the provisions, all non-essential services that generate energy costs were suspended, while vital centers such as hospitals and food production facilities continue to operate.

Only essential personnel will remain working at the workplaces, emphasized the statement from the Union Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE).

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero warned on Thursday that the country's energy situation is extremely critical, and no short-term solution is expected.

The morning after its appearance, the SEN completely collapsed, and more than 48 hours later, it has still not been restored.

Meanwhile, the desperation and uncertainty of Cubans due to so many hours without electricity and the consequences this entails have been compounded by the threat of Hurricane Oscar, which will hit the eastern region of the country.

The initial effects of the Category 1 hurricane were felt this Sunday in the city of Baracoa, Guantánamo, with the sea entering and flooding occurring along the waterfront.