"A complete disconnection from the national power system occurred. The reconnection process is underway," Cuba's National Electric Union (UNE) announced on 16/3.

UNE stated that efforts to restore the power grid are being implemented nationwide, while confirming no technical faults were detected at operational generating units at the time of the grid collapse.

Roberto Morales Ojeda, permanent secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, confirmed the information, stating that nationwide power grid restoration efforts are underway. "We trust the selfless workers of the electricity sector," Morales Ojeda said.

Miguel, a rental homeowner in the coastal resort of Varadero, stated that the city rarely experiences power outages, but this outage still affected the area due to its extensive scale.

Dayana Machin, a Havana resident, said she was not surprised by the incident, as Cuba is facing an energy crisis due to the US oil embargo. According to Machin, residents should prepare wood stoves, solar panels if possible, and stock up on water and gasoline.

Musician Lazaro Caron stated that the power outage affected his work, but conceded that "there is no other way but to face it and keep moving forward, to see what happens."

Car lights flicker on the streets of Havana, Cuba on 16/3 amid the country's complete power outage. *Photo: AFP*

Cuba heavily relies on oil for electricity generation. However, after the US conducted a raid to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on 3/1, Washington tightly controlled the South American nation's oil exports, which meant the oil supply to Cuba was also cut off.

According to Cuban officials, Washington's near-total blockade of fuel supplies has exacerbated the energy crisis, leading to rotating power outages, shortages of medical supplies, and a decline in tourism.

Fuel prices have surged, with gasoline on the black market reaching up to 9 USD per liter, making the cost to fill an oto's fuel tank potentially exceed 300 USD, which is higher than the average annual income for many Cubans.

"US government officials must be very pleased with the damage inflicted upon each Cuban family," Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said regarding the power outage on 16/3.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated last week that no oil shipments had reached the island nation in the past three months. He also mentioned that Cuba and the US have engaged in dialogue to identify bilateral issues requiring resolution.

"The impact of the blockade is immense, manifesting most devastatingly in the energy sector, causing severe hardship for the people," he said.

To cope with the energy crisis, the Cuban government has implemented emergency measures, such as shortening school hours, postponing major sports and cultural events, and reducing transportation services. Many public hospitals have had to cut back on medical services, and fuel sales at state-run gas stations have also been restricted.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, CNN)