Nearly 90% of Artemisa is still without electricity a full week after Hurricane Rafael unleashed its fury on this province in western Cuba. As of Wednesday, only 26,384 customers—merely 12.91%—have had their power restored, according to a report from the Artemisa Electric Company, as relayed by the local broadcaster ARTV. This leaves a staggering 87.09% of residents in the dark, following the widespread blackout caused by the disconnection from the National Electric System (SEN), which authorities attributed to the strong winds of the hurricane, despite its delayed arrival in Cuba.
The Artemisa Electric Company has reported a power deficit of 106.74 MW and outlined the status of the electrical lines: 93.75% of the 110 kV lines are "operational," compared to 35.14% of the 33 kV lines, and just 11.97% of the primary distribution lines. Presently, repair crews are focusing on circuits 1570 and 3185 in Artemisa; 3305 in Güira de Melena; 3517 in Mariel; 5050 in Bauta; 3210 in Guanajay/Caimito, and the circuits in the Mariel Special Development Zone.
According to Artemisa television reports, local linemen are making headway in restoring the electrical infrastructure post-Hurricane Rafael, with support from brigades in other regions, such as Ciego de Ávila. In Caimito, initial efforts are concentrated on reinstating power necessary for water pumping, progressing with the 33.4 kV primary line.
Efforts to Expedite Power Restoration
ARTV highlighted that the "goal" is to "resume electrical services as swiftly as possible," noting that Caimito residents have been enduring power outages for over a week. During a meeting led by Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de La O Levy with provincial leaders, directives were issued to prioritize water supply and electricity restoration in Artemisa and San Antonio de los Baños.
The television station reported that the efforts of 56 linemen brigades and support teams have led to "improvements in essential living conditions" within the region. In San Antonio de los Baños, local crews, assisted by personnel from Cienfuegos, are striving to restore electricity to circuits near the Iván Portuondo hospital and water supply sources before nightfall, according to the news update.
Impact of Hurricane Rafael on Infrastructure and Agriculture
Artemisa bore the brunt of Hurricane Rafael, which inflicted extensive damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure on its path through the province on November 6. The storm toppled hundreds of electricity poles and its powerful winds demolished several high-voltage towers—220,000 and 110,000 volts—along the Havana-Artemisa highway, leaving them as mangled heaps of metal.
As of Tuesday, damage assessments indicated that only 61.2% of landline communication services were operational, with mobile networks functioning at a mere 34.4%. The storm has affected 15,453 homes, though this is a preliminary figure likely to increase. In agriculture, the hurricane devastated 15,192 hectares of crops, with just 992 hectares having been recuperated. By the previous day, only 546 tons of food had been salvaged.