A power outage struck the entire island of Cuba on Saturday (March 21, 2026), the Energy Ministry said, in the second nationwide blackout in less than a week as its grid struggles under a U.S. oil blockade. Buildings began to lose power in Havana before nightfall, shortly before 6:30 pm (2230 GMT) and just five days after the previous one plunged the country into darkness. A "total disconnection" of the national electricity system took place, the Energy Ministry said in a post on X, adding that work had begun to restore power. The blackout occurred as an international aid convoy began to arrive in Havana this week, bringing sorely-needed medical supplies, food, water and solar panels to the island. The crisis in the country of 9.6 million people comes as Trump has made no secret of his desire to see regime change in Havana.

Source: The Hindu March 22, 2026 13:38 UTC