Matanzas Residents Face Prolonged Blackout and Damaged Appliances Due to Voltage Surge

Residents in Matanzas, Cuba, are experiencing a severe power outage that has lasted over 100 hours. The blackout began after a crucial neutral cable on the power line feeding an apartment building broke.

This incident not only caused the prolonged lack of electricity but also resulted in a significant voltage surge. The surge, reported to be 168 volts, damaged various electrical appliances in multiple homes within the building.

📄 What Happened?

A broken neutral cable on the main power line led to a prolonged blackout in an apartment building in Matanzas. The break occurred during a brief period when power was temporarily restored after an earlier outage.

📄 Where and When

The incident took place in the city of Matanzas, Cuba. The power outage and subsequent voltage surge happened on March 14, 2026, affecting a specific apartment building and its residents.

📄 Why It Matters

This situation highlights critical infrastructure issues and the impact on daily life. The prolonged blackout disrupts normal routines, and the damaged appliances represent a significant financial loss for the affected families. It raises concerns about the reliability of the electrical grid and the safety measures in place.

📄 What Parties Are Saying

Historian and professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández brought attention to the issue. She reported the incident to the electrical company, with the complaint logged under number 7503. According to López Hernández, the electrical company stated that a technician needed to assess the damage from the voltage surge. However, residents have expressed frustration as this assessment has not yet occurred. A repair vehicle was seen in the area, but the crew claimed their task was different and did not involve fixing the damaged pole.

📄 What Comes Next

Residents are planning to escalate the issue by formally presenting their concerns to the local government and Party offices. Given past experiences where similar repairs took up to 17 days to resolve, affected individuals are worried about the timeline for restoration and compensation for their damaged equipment.