2024-11-08
9 分钟This week, a powerful hurricane hit Cuba, causing nationwide electricity outages — right after a string of power failures that have plagued the country in recent months. These power outages are a low point for a country that has struggled economically for years and is experiencing mass emigration. Today on the show, we explain why Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on and investigate the root causes of the Caribbean nation's dramatic fall. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
NPR.
On Wednesday, a powerful hurricane hit Cuba.
The Caribbean nation was pummeled with wind and rain.
Electricity was cut off nationwide, bringing up memories of a string of recent power failures that have been plaguing the country.
Even without hurricanes, Cuba's dramatic power outages mark a low point in the country's sharp, sharp economic decline.
Food shortages are rife and inflation is running at 30%.
So what's going wrong?
This is the indicator from Planet Money.
I'm Adrian Ma.
And I'm Darian Woods.
Today on the show, why Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on.
The answer gives us insight into this age old question of whether Cuba's woes are driven by its communist leadership or U.S.
sanctions.
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