Not even nature forgives the Cubans: this Tuesday, a lightning strike left several areas of the Santo Domingo municipality in Villa Clara without electricity after hitting the main transformer of the local power substation.
The regime spokesperson Henry Omar Pérez reported on Facebook that the lightning struck at 12:10 p.m. on a 25 MVA transformer, causing service interruptions in much of the territory.
The authorities attribute the incident to the "inclement weather" typical of the Cuban summer, where even the climate seems to conspire against the population.
Thanks to a temporary 33,000-volt connection from Santa Clara, electricity supply has been restored in the areas of Washington, Manacas, and Bermejal, as well as in the towns of 26 de Julio, Criolla, and Las Casimbas.
However, Santo Domingo, Mordazo, Casacajal, Balilño, Rodrigo, and Amaro remain completely in the dark.
The teams from the Electric Union continue to work on repairing the breakdown and restoring service "as soon as possible," a promise that has become routine.
In the meantime, the population is once again hoping that it won't be another lightning strike, another downpour, or any other unforeseen event that leaves them without power again.
As expected, the publication of the official statement on social media generated several comments from internet users who are no longer surprised by the deterioration of the electrical system and even by the conspiracy of nature.
“It's either a lightning strike or a deficit, but there's always something... ugh,” wrote Barbarita Ávalos, capturing the collective sentiment of frustration.
Mario Morera responded humorously: “Thanks for the information; if it's not Juana, it's her sister,” while Héctor Andrés Naranjo wondered whether lightning rod systems are not specifically designed to prevent such issues.
More direct was Franklin Lalcebo, who commented: “Wow, how does lightning leave us without electricity...? That’s sarcasm!”
Electric discharges continue to pose a serious threat in Cuba, not only due to their impact on infrastructure but also because of the direct risk to human life.
This is confirmed by the case of a young Cuban coach who survived being struck by lightning, an experience that left him voiceless for weeks and with significant physical aftereffects.
The incident occurred while engaging in outdoor activities, highlighting the constant exposure of citizens to these natural phenomena.
These types of incidents are not isolated. A story without a tragic ending was the occasion when a lightning struck several trees on a busy avenue in Guantánamo, causing property damage and instilling panic among passersby.
Although no victims were reported, the danger was real and highlighted the vulnerability of Cuban cities to thunderstorms, especially when urban greenery lacks proper maintenance and adequate preventive measures are not implemented.
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology itself has warned that lightning kills more people each year than hurricanes in the country. A specialist made this statement in a recent declaration warning about the high lethality of lightning, especially during the summer months when humidity and convective activity increase.
The expert emphasized that many of the victims do not take basic precautions or simply have no means to protect themselves due to a lack of safe infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions about the blackout in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara
What caused the blackout in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara?
The blackout in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, was caused by a lightning strike that hit the main transformer of the local electrical substation. This interrupted the electricity service in several areas of the municipality. The "weather conditions" of the Cuban summer were indicated as the cause of the incident by the authorities.
Which areas were affected by the blackout in Villa Clara?
The areas affected by the blackout included Santo Domingo, Mordazo, Casacajal, Balilño, Rodrigo, and Amaro, which remain in the dark. In contrast, the areas of Washington, Manacas, and Bermejal, as well as the towns of 26 de Julio, Criolla, and Las Casimbas, already have restored electric service thanks to a temporary connection from Santa Clara.
What measures are being taken to resolve the blackout in Santo Domingo?
The teams from the Electric Union are working to repair the outage and restore service as soon as possible. Although temporary connections have been made to alleviate the situation in some areas, most affected regions are still without electricity. The population continues to wait for a definitive solution, amid growing frustration with the electrical system.
How is the energy crisis in Cuba affecting the population?
The energy crisis in Cuba has resulted in prolonged and frequent blackouts throughout the country, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans. Citizens are facing nights without electricity, spoiled food, and unbearable heat conditions, which has generated significant outrage and despair. The lack of clear responses from the government and mistrust in official figures have intensified the skepticism and frustration of the population.
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