HAVANA, Cuba. – Hurricane Irma affected the national electrical system, causing its total collapse, an unprecedented situation in Cuba that forces to redouble efforts to restore service to the population.

Lazaro Guerra, technical director of the Electrical Union, explained that the total zero of the system was due to the cyclone pass along the north coast where most of thermoelectric plants are located; it provoked the loss of generation, instability and damaged its integrity.

Guerra noted that in order to recover the national electrical system, electric islands were created, one in the east, with greater strength, and another in the west, more weakened until two of the generating units of Mariel thermoelectric plant are in full capacity since this Wednesday morning.

He added that the third island is located in the central zone with Carlos Manuel de Cespedes thermoelectric, in Cienfuegos.