The Cuban Telecommunications Company S.A. (ETECSA) reported on Wednesday serious disruptions to the country's mobile phone service due to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), which occurred shortly after two in the morning on Wednesday.
According to ETECSA, at 1:00 p.m. (local time), the impact on mobile phone service nationwide was 53%.
They specified that the most affected provinces are Camagüey (63%) and Havana (60%).
The Cuban telecommunications monopoly stated that as electricity is restored in the country, the availability of the service will increase.
ETECSA did not provide any additional information regarding the situation in the other provinces.
The general blackout in Cuba has also caused a massive drop in internet connectivity.
The collapse of the National Electric System in Cuba creates a domino effect that severely impacts other essential basic services for the population.
The interruption of the electricity supply directly impacts the pumping and distribution of drinking water, leaving thousands of homes without access to this vital resource, which has already been worsening over the past few months.
Additionally, the supply of gas, which is essential for cooking food, is hindered by the lack of electricity in processing and distribution plants.
On the other hand, internet connectivity and mobile phone services also face interruptions, making communication and access to information challenging.
This multidimensional crisis highlights the fragility of the country's basic infrastructure, further exacerbating the myriad daily challenges faced by Cubans.
Third collapse of the National Electrical System.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced on social media this Wednesday morning that it had started the gradual restoration of the National Electric System (SEN) through the "creation of islands," as was done during the two previous outages.
In a post on the MINEM's X account, Vicente de la O Levy explained that "the conditions are more favorable than during the last disconnection” and added that compliance with the procedures is not affected by the hurricane.
"Distributed generation islands are now operating throughout the country. Electrical microsystems for water pumping are being prioritized. Several units are ready to start up. Today, there will be a significant recovery of the national electricity system," could be read in a more recent publication.
Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso confirmed the information on Facebook, noting that an expansion of electricity coverage is expected throughout the day, although he warned that it will be “a slow process.”
"It is expected that the restoration will be fundamentally completed by tomorrow," concluded Alonso, anticipating that many Cubans will experience more than 24 hours of blackout.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blackout in Cuba and Its Consequences
What is the impact of the blackout on mobile phone services in Cuba?
More than half of Cuba is without mobile phone services due to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN). ETECSA reported that 53% of mobile phone services are affected, with Camagüey and Havana being the most impacted provinces.
How does the blackout affect other basic services in Cuba?
The widespread blackout has had a domino effect, severely impacting essential services such as the pumping and distribution of drinking water and the supply of gas for cooking. The disruption of electricity directly affects the daily lives of Cubans, exacerbating everyday hardships.
What measures are being taken to restore the electrical system in Cuba?
The Ministry of Energy and Mines has begun the gradual restoration of the National Electric System (SEN) by creating "islands" of distributed generation. The recovery of the SEN is expected to be slow, but priority is being given to microelectric systems for water pumping and other critical needs.
Which provinces have been most affected by the blackout in Cuba?
Camagüey and Havana are the most affected provinces, with interruptions in mobile phone services at 63% and 60%, respectively. Additionally, the lack of electricity extends to other regions, impacting the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
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