The Electrical Union of Cuba (UNE) reported this Wednesday, November 6, through the social network
According to the report in networks: «As soon as the winds of Hurricane Rafael reach 60 km/h Controlled disconnection of distribution circuits will be carried out to avoid accidents and failures. in electrical networks.
Let us remember that due to the energy deficit that has been going on for months in the country, there are currently circuits on the island that have been turned off for hours, some with more than 10 uninterrupted hours of outage.
What about Hurricane Rafael? According to the 10:00 am report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it continues to strengthen and is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall in western Cuba.
At 10:00 am EST (15:00 UTC), the center of Rafael was located at latitude 21.4 North and longitude 81.9 West, approximately 95 km east-southeast of Isla de la Juventud and about 205 km east south-southeast of Havana, Cuba.
Maximum sustained winds reach 110 mph (175 km/h), with even stronger gusts, and additional strengthening is anticipated in the coming hours.
UNE: Circuits will be disconnected due to Hurricane Rafael
Rafael is moving northwest at 14 mph (22 km/h), and is expected to maintain this track throughout the day, followed by a gradual turn toward the west-northwest as it enters the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the forecast, the hurricane will pass near or just east of the Isla de la Juventud in the next few hours and will make landfall in western Cuba this afternoon.
The cyclone poses a serious threat to the western region of Cuba, where a dangerous and potentially life-threatening storm surge is expected, accompanied by damaging hurricane-force winds and intense rainfall that could generate flash flooding.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center, and tropical storm-force winds reach up to 115 miles (185 km). Hence, up to Sancti Spíritus there are possibilities of strong winds.
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**Interview with Carlos Martínez, spokesperson for the Electrical Union of Cuba (UNE)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Carlos. Can you give us a brief overview of how Hurricane Rafael has impacted Cuba’s electrical grid based on your organization’s reports?
**Carlos Martínez:** Thank you for having me. Hurricane Rafael has indeed posed significant challenges for our electrical infrastructure. As the hurricane approached, we implemented controlled disconnections of distribution circuits to prevent potential damages. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of both our employees and the public.
**Interviewer:** How severe was the damage to the electrical grid?
**Carlos Martínez:** The situation is a complex one. While we have not yet completed a full assessment of the damage, preliminary reports indicate that some areas have experienced extensive outages. It’s crucial to note that before Rafael hit, many circuits were already under strain due to an ongoing energy deficit, resulting in long hours of disruption for numerous households.
**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about the current state of power restoration efforts?
**Carlos Martínez:** Our teams are currently mobilized and working diligently to restore power as quickly as possible. We anticipate that some circuits may take longer to repair, especially those that were compromised before the hurricane. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and emergency services to prioritize the most affected areas.
**Interviewer:** With the ongoing energy crisis, how does UNE plan to address the vulnerabilities in the grid moving forward?
**Carlos Martínez:** The ongoing energy deficiency certainly highlights the vulnerabilities in our electrical system. We are actively seeking solutions, which include upgrading infrastructure and increasing our renewable energy capacity. It’s a challenging process, but we are committed to making improvements that will enhance the reliability of electricity supply for all Cubans.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlos, for your insights on this critical issue. We wish you success in your recovery efforts.
**Carlos Martínez:** Thank you for having me. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Rafael, and we are doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible.
