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The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Granma, Yudelkis Ortiz, publicly acknowledged that it has not been possible to prioritize the electrical supply in the eastern provinces of the country in light of the imminent arrival of the hurricane Melissa, leaving behind the notion of a supposed backup plan for that region.
In a video posted on the social network Facebook, the official admitted that the main thermal power plants in eastern Cuba, including Felton (Holguín) and Rente (Santiago de Cuba), will be disconnected from the National Electric System for operational safety reasons and vulnerability to the cyclone.
“We are going to be without electricity. We need to find ways to stay informed through other channels to learn about the main news regarding the phases,” Ortiz explained, referring to the necessity of remaining attentive to official guidance despite the imminent general blackout.
Total blackouts and recognition of shortages
The statements from the communist leader confirm that people in the eastern part of the country will be without electricity during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which exacerbates the situation for communities that are already facing shortages of food, water, and communication means.
Similarly, Ortiz acknowledged that the period following the hurricane will be especially challenging: “We must focus on protecting ourselves. Then we will work on recovering. The recovery will be tough and difficult, as we face a time of resource shortages,” he warned.
His words reflect the fragility of the national energy system and the lack of emergency infrastructure to sustain basic services during natural disasters.
Without electricity or reliable information
In response to a citizen's question about how to stay informed without electricity, Ortiz stated that the authorities would attempt to use "alternative means" to communicate the phases of the event, though he did not specify which ones or how communication would be ensured with rural or isolated areas.
The recognition that there will be no electricity in vast areas of the east adds to a week marked by citizens' complaints about food shortages, lack of evacuation plans, and governmental disinterest, just as Hurricane Melissa —a category 5— approaches the region with winds exceeding 295 km/h.
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