Hurricane Ian Update: Blackouts in Cuba While People Trapped Inside Their Homes in Florida

Hurricane Ian has wreaked havoc in its path across the Caribbean and Florida, causing severe damage in the region. Cuba experienced severe blackout when the hurricane hit the island.

Rescue and repair crews are working round the clock to repair the damage, as well as help people out affected by the storm.

Cuba Update: Power Now Back On in Havana, But Not the Entire Country, Damage is Severe

In Cuba, Hurricane Ian managed to knock the power out from the entire island. However, according to the Associated Press, the Energy and Mines Ministry has managed to restore energy in three regions after they activated two large power plants in Felton and Nuevitas. Crews are now working on getting other powerplants working as well.

One of the areas where power was restored is the capital. Havana. However, other parts of Western Cuba are still without power. Many noted that this was the first time in recent memory that Cuba has ever experienced an island-wide blackout.

Hurricane Ian hit the island as a Category 3, and it did not just knock out the power but also devastated Cuba's important tobacco industry, which is responsible for the country's iconic Cuban cigars. This may be devastating for Cuba's already-struggling economy, as Pinar del Rio province's tobacco crops help bring money to the island.

Pinar del Rio is where most of Cuba's tobacco comes from. However, as Ian was about to hit the country, tens of thousands were quickly evacuated from the area. When the hurricane finally hit, it caused severe flooding, as well as damaged houses and toppled trees.

Two people from the area were reported to have died. One woman was killed when a wall fell on top of her, while another died from a collapsed roof.

Florida Update: Ian Weakens to Category 2, But Caused Severe Flooding and Damage

Hurricane Ian hit Florida as a Category 4 and was one of the "most powerful storms ever recorded in the U.S.," according to the Associated Press.

The state has experienced severe flooding due to the storm, as streets turned into rivers, and power was also knocked out as Ian pushed further inland.

Authorities also reported that they have been receiving distress calls from people trapped inside their homes as the hurricane hit the state. 2.5 million people were ordered to evacuate southwest Florida before Ian hit. However, many still stayed as nobody can be forced to flee from their homes, according to Florida law.

CNN reported that as of 9 p.m. ET, the National Hurricane Center had lowered Ian to a Category 2 Hurricane. It still continues to batter the state with high winds and heavy rainfall, however. Its maximum winds are still 105 mph, moving northeast at 8 mph.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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