Cuba: Electrical service outages continue as of Oct. 19 /update 1

Nationwide power disruptions continue to affect Cuba as of Oct. 19. A second nationwide grid collapse was reported early Oct. 19 shortly after officials restored power in a few areas of the country after a nationwide power outage on Oct. 18. Authorities have provided no estimate of when power will return. The Oct. 18 outage was reportedly due to a major failure at the Antonio Guiteras power plant. All non-essential government services and educational institutions will remain closed, and recreational and cultural activities will be suspended until at least Oct. 20.

Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible during the outages; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are likely during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Power outages could also result in temporarily unavailable essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages. Business disruptions are likely.

Spontaneous protests against perceived government mismanagement are possible nationwide. Localized transit disruptions and clashes between police and protesters are possible.