In Cuba, residents staged protests on the streets of Havana because of a continued blackout. Hurricane Ian plowed through Western Cuba earlier this week which left several neighborhoods in Havana without power.

Hurricane Ian knocked out power in Cuba, protesters chant - turn on the lights

An explosion at a historic Havana hotel has claimed lives of 22 people while injuring around 70. Cuban President say that explosion was caused by a gas leak.

Explosion at historic Havana hotel kills 22 and injured around 70

The death toll in the blast at the iconic hotel in Cuba has risen to 22. The famous Hotel Saratoga was obliterated in a powerful blast on May 6. The intensity of the blast was so much that it caused a gash several floors high in the side of the building.

The blast at the historic high-end hotel was apparently caused by gas leak.

A nearby school was rattled by the blast with more than 300 students in attendance, health authorities said. At least 15 children were reported injured as of late Friday evening, the health ministry said, and one child had died.

Cuba's tourism minister, Juan Carlos Garcia, said no foreigners were killed or injured in the blast, according to initial reports.

The blast shrouded the building and surrounding streets in plumes of black smoke and dust rising from the rubble.

Hundreds of Cubans and tourists alike gathered near the property under a hot sun as police cordoned off the area around the hotel. Many speculated about the cause of the blast as ambulances and rescue workers carried victims from the wreckage.

Cuba's tourism minister, Juan Carlos Garcia, said no foreigners were killed or injured in the blast, according to initial reports.

The hotel, housed in a more than century-old building, had been closed and only workers were inside at time of the explosion, state-run TV said, citing Roberto Enrique Calzadilla, a representative of the military-run company.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The death toll in the blast at the iconic hotel in Cuba has risen to 22. The famous Hotel Saratoga was obliterated in a powerful blast on May 6. The intensity of the blast was so much that it caused a gash several floors high in the side of the building.

The death toll in the blast at the iconic hotel in Cuba has risen to 22. The famous Hotel Saratoga was obliterated in a powerful blast on May 6. The intensity of the blast was so much that it caused a gash several floors high in the side of the building. The blast at the historic high-end hotel was apparently caused by gas leak. A nearby school was rattled by the blast with more than 300 students in attendance, health authorities said. At least 15 children were reported injured as of late Friday evening, the health ministry said, and one child had died. Cuba's tourism minister, Juan Carlos Garcia, said no foreigners were killed or injured in the blast, according to initial reports. The blast shrouded the building and surrounding streets in plumes of black smoke and dust rising from the rubble. Hundreds of Cubans and tourists alike gathered near the property under a hot sun as police cordoned off the area around the hotel. Many speculated about the cause of the blast as ambulances and rescue workers carried victims from the wreckage. Cuba's tourism minister, Juan Carlos Garcia, said no foreigners were killed or injured in the blast, according to initial reports. The hotel, housed in a more than century-old building, had been closed and only workers were inside at time of the explosion, state-run TV said, citing Roberto Enrique Calzadilla, a representative of the military-run company. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Gas leak suspected to be cause of Cuba hotel blast, death toll at 22

Hotel Saratoga: The 'it' place in Cuba, now in ruins

A powerful explosion ripped through a Havana hotel in Cuba on Friday morning, claiming at least eight lives and leaving over 30 people injured.<o:p></o:p>

Police and fire rescuers have been dispatched to the site and combing through rubble for survivors, as at least 13 people were reported to be missing, the presidency, in a tweet, quoted Havana Communist Party official Luis Antonio Torres Iribar.

<o:p></o:p>

"So far, eight people have died and about 30 are hospitalized," the Cuban presidency tweeted after the blast.<o:p></o:p>

Images from the scene showed dark plumes of dust billowing into the air and leaving rubble strewn across the street in the historic centre of Havana.<o:p></o:p>

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel ruled out a bomb explosion and said that a gas leak is believed to be the cause of the blast at Hotel Saratoga. <o:p></o:p>

Witnesses described a "massive blast," which appeared to destroy buses and cars outside the hotel in the centre of the city.

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Video of Hotel Saratoga in Havana right now. <a href="https://t.co/U3qQPHFIH1">pic.twitter.com/U3qQPHFIH1</a>
— Patrick Oppmann CNN (@CNN_Oppmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN_Oppmann/status/1522611674326388736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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BREAKING: Major explosion damages historic hotel in Havana, Cuba; no word on injuries <a href="https://t.co/QyksoqI2fI">pic.twitter.com/QyksoqI2fI</a>
— BNO News (@BNONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/1522604191394693123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At least two ambulances and five fire trucks rushed to the hotel, and police cordoned off the area, dispersing people who swarmed to the site after hearing the blast, according to AFP.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

The hotel, which was built in the 1930s, has 96 rooms and was reopened in 2005 after refurbishment, according to its website.<o:p></o:p>

After being built as a warehouse in 1880, it was rebuilt as a hotel in 1933.<o:p></o:p>

“Though we have not been able to verify the origin of its name, it is likely that it stems from the US resort town of Saratoga in the State of New York,” the hotel&nbsp;website states.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

A powerful explosion ripped through a Havana hotel in Cuba on Friday morning, claiming at least eight lives and leaving over 30 people injured. Police and fire rescuers have been dispatched to the site and combing through rubble for survivors, as at least 13 people were reported to be missing, the presidency, in a tweet, quoted Havana Communist Party official Luis Antonio Torres Iribar.

A powerful explosion ripped through a Havana hotel in Cuba on Friday morning, claiming at least eight lives and leaving over 30 people injured. Police and fire rescuers have been dispatched to the site and combing through rubble for survivors, as at least 13 people were reported to be missing, the presidency, in a tweet, quoted Havana Communist Party official Luis Antonio Torres Iribar. "So far, eight people have died and about 30 are hospitalized," the Cuban presidency tweeted after the blast. Images from the scene showed dark plumes of dust billowing into the air and leaving rubble strewn across the street in the historic centre of Havana. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel ruled out a bomb explosion and said that a gas leak is believed to be the cause of the blast at Hotel Saratoga. Witnesses described a "massive blast," which appeared to destroy buses and cars outside the hotel in the centre of the city. Video of Hotel Saratoga in Havana right now. pic.twitter.com/U3qQPHFIH1 — Patrick Oppmann CNN (@CNN_Oppmann) May 6, 2022 × BREAKING: Major explosion damages historic hotel in Havana, Cuba; no word on injuries pic.twitter.com/QyksoqI2fI — BNO News (@BNONews) May 6, 2022 × At least two ambulances and five fire trucks rushed to the hotel, and police cordoned off the area, dispersing people who swarmed to the site after hearing the blast, according to AFP. The hotel, which was built in the 1930s, has 96 rooms and was reopened in 2005 after refurbishment, according to its website. After being built as a warehouse in 1880, it was rebuilt as a hotel in 1933. “Though we have not been able to verify the origin of its name, it is likely that it stems from the US resort town of Saratoga in the State of New York,” the hotel website states. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 8 killed, 30 injured as powerful explosion obliterates Cuban hotel

Pandemic, sanctions, and long lines for fuel; Cuba battles concerns over supply and rationing

President Joe Biden on Friday signed a law providing financial support for victims of mysterious headaches and nausea, suffered by US diplomats, in what has been termed as the "Havana Syndrome."

As per the Havana act, there will be financial compensation for members of the State Department and CIA who suffer brain injury. Dozens of cases have occurred at US embassies around the world, starting with a cluster in Havana, Cuba.&nbsp;

The cause of the illnesses has not been fully diagnosed.

In a statement, Biden said, "I want to thank Congress for passing it with unanimous bipartisan support, sending the clear message that we take care of our own."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havana-syndrome-strikes-again-what-is-it-exactly-408221">Also read |&nbsp;Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly?</a>

"Civil servants, intelligence officers, diplomats, and military personnel all around the world have been affected by anomalous health incidents. Some are struggling with debilitating brain injuries that have curtailed their careers of service to our nation," he added.&nbsp;

Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is the lead author of the law, said in a statement that "Havana Syndrome" illnesses have struck more than 40 US staff in Cuba.

A member of CIA Director William Burns' team had similar symptoms in India this month, reports US media. Two US officials in Germany were also among the recent victims and the New Yorker reported that there have been dozens of cases afflicting US officials in Vienna.

The first case was observed in 2016 when a US intelligence agent in the US embassy in Havana complained of vertigo, ear pain, tinnitus. As per a report in Politico, the doctor said that the agent had inner-ear damage likely caused due to the projected energy device.

Since then similar complaints have been reported from US officials in China, Russia and inside the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/financial-aid-to-havana-syndrome-victims-by-biden-government-419391">Watch:&nbsp;Financial aid to Havana Syndrome victims by Biden government</a>

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President Joe Biden on Friday signed a law providing financial support for victims of mysterious headaches and nausea, suffered by US diplomats, in what has been termed as the "Havana Syndrome.

President Joe Biden on Friday signed a law providing financial support for victims of mysterious headaches and nausea, suffered by US diplomats, in what has been termed as the "Havana Syndrome." As per the Havana act, there will be financial compensation for members of the State Department and CIA who suffer brain injury. Dozens of cases have occurred at US embassies around the world, starting with a cluster in Havana, Cuba. The cause of the illnesses has not been fully diagnosed. In a statement, Biden said, "I want to thank Congress for passing it with unanimous bipartisan support, sending the clear message that we take care of our own." Also read | Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly? "Civil servants, intelligence officers, diplomats, and military personnel all around the world have been affected by anomalous health incidents. Some are struggling with debilitating brain injuries that have curtailed their careers of service to our nation," he added. Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is the lead author of the law, said in a statement that "Havana Syndrome" illnesses have struck more than 40 US staff in Cuba. A member of CIA Director William Burns' team had similar symptoms in India this month, reports US media. Two US officials in Germany were also among the recent victims and the New Yorker reported that there have been dozens of cases afflicting US officials in Vienna. The first case was observed in 2016 when a US intelligence agent in the US embassy in Havana complained of vertigo, ear pain, tinnitus. As per a report in Politico, the doctor said that the agent had inner-ear damage likely caused due to the projected energy device. Since then similar complaints have been reported from US officials in China, Russia and inside the United States. Watch: Financial aid to Havana Syndrome victims by Biden government

Biden signs law to support victims of 'Havana Syndrome'

According to reports, the mysterious Havana syndrome&nbsp;has been linked to crickets and not microwave weapons as claimed earlier.

A security advisory group linked to the US State Department has reportedly found that in at least eight of the 21 cases related to the case was likely caused by insects.

In 2018, diplomats stationed in Cuba had reported hearing noises and then complained of neurological issues including suffering from vertigo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-vienna-station-chief-removed-amid-havana-syndrome-criticism-report-415559">Also Read: CIA Vienna station chief removed amid 'Havana syndrome' criticism</a>

The new report said the US administration's&nbsp;view&nbsp;that the Havana syndrome was due to microwaves or ultrasound beams was “highly unlikely”.&nbsp;

However, it did not point to a clear cause of the reported injuries and complaints by various diplomats while concluding&nbsp;that the likely source was "Indies short-tailed cricket".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havana-syndrome-strikes-again-what-is-it-exactly-408221">Also Read: Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly?</a>

Cuban scientists had earlier rejected the Havana syndrome&nbsp;asserting that it was not "scientifically acceptable."

The Cuban panel maintained that there was no scientific evidence to back the claims after more&nbsp;US officials reported cases of the Havana Syndrome appearing in Vienna earlier this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-trip-delayed-over-possible-havana-syndrome-case-408184">Also Read: Kamala Harris trip delayed over possible 'Havana syndrome' case</a>

The experts claimed that "no known form of energy can selectively cause brain damage" in the cases described under the Havana syndrome.

US &nbsp;intelligence chief Avril Haines had said earlier that she&nbsp;was still unsure about the so-called Havana syndrome five years after the first case was reported in Havana.

The cases have also been reported in Russia, China and the US, however, no verifiable proof of the alleged attacks has surfaced.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to reports, the mysterious Havana syndrome has been linked to crickets and not microwave weapons as claimed earlier. A security advisory group linked to the US State Department has reportedly found that in at least eight of the 21 cases related to the case was likely caused by insects.

According to reports, the mysterious Havana syndrome has been linked to crickets and not microwave weapons as claimed earlier. A security advisory group linked to the US State Department has reportedly found that in at least eight of the 21 cases related to the case was likely caused by insects. In 2018, diplomats stationed in Cuba had reported hearing noises and then complained of neurological issues including suffering from vertigo. Also Read: CIA Vienna station chief removed amid 'Havana syndrome' criticism The new report said the US administration's view that the Havana syndrome was due to microwaves or ultrasound beams was “highly unlikely”. However, it did not point to a clear cause of the reported injuries and complaints by various diplomats while concluding that the likely source was "Indies short-tailed cricket". Also Read: Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly? Cuban scientists had earlier rejected the Havana syndrome asserting that it was not "scientifically acceptable." The Cuban panel maintained that there was no scientific evidence to back the claims after more US officials reported cases of the Havana Syndrome appearing in Vienna earlier this year. Also Read: Kamala Harris trip delayed over possible 'Havana syndrome' case The experts claimed that "no known form of energy can selectively cause brain damage" in the cases described under the Havana syndrome. US intelligence chief Avril Haines had said earlier that she was still unsure about the so-called Havana syndrome five years after the first case was reported in Havana. The cases have also been reported in Russia, China and the US, however, no verifiable proof of the alleged attacks has surfaced. (With inputs from Agencies)

Havana syndrome cases may be linked to crickets, claims report

After being shut for more than a year, beaches in Havana are now opened for visitors. How did the locals take advantage of the new relaxed covid-19 guidelines.

Covid-19 curbs lifted, beaches finally reopened in Havana

After US President Joe Biden said he "stands with the Cuban people", President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed the US sanctions for the protests in the country.

Biden had said the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/down-with-communism-cuban-protesters-demand-freedom-food-and-covid-19-vaccines-397504"> Cuban</a> regime should hear its people and "serve their needs" as protests erupted against the government even as Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the US sanctions were responsible for the "policy of economic suffocation to provoke social unrest in the country."

Watch:

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US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had warned Cuba earlier while condemning&nbsp;the authorities the "targeting of peaceful protesters".

Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador&nbsp;offered medicines&nbsp;with coronavirus vaccines, however, he warned against "interventionist political management".

Obrador had called for the US economic sanctions to end as protesters came out on the streets on Sunday&nbsp;over the shortage of basic needs in the country. The Cuban President called for a "humanitarian gesture" as Cubans called President Miguel to step down.

People came out on the streets in Havana and several others places including Santiago as the country struggles amid the pandemic. It was the largest anti-government protest in decades as people chanted “Diaz-Canel step down”.

At least ten&nbsp;people were arrested by authorities.

Amid the volatile situation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-against-outside-interference-over-cuba-protests-397672">Russia's</a> foreign ministry said it is "unacceptable" for there to be outside interference in the internal affairs of the country.

The country has been hit hard due to the pandemic with the vaccine drive going at a slow rate even as the country's economy has contracted in the past year.

On Sunday, Cuba recorded &nbsp;6,923 COVID-19 cases and 47 deaths with hospitals under pressure to treat patients.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

After US President Joe Biden said he "stands with the Cuban people", President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed the US sanctions for the protests in the country. Biden had said the Cuban regime should hear its people and "serve their needs" as protests erupted against the government even as Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the US sanctions were responsible for the "policy of economic suffocation to provoke social unrest in the country.

After US President Joe Biden said he "stands with the Cuban people", President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed the US sanctions for the protests in the country. Biden had said the Cuban regime should hear its people and "serve their needs" as protests erupted against the government even as Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the US sanctions were responsible for the "policy of economic suffocation to provoke social unrest in the country." Watch: US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had warned Cuba earlier while condemning the authorities the "targeting of peaceful protesters". Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador offered medicines with coronavirus vaccines, however, he warned against "interventionist political management". Obrador had called for the US economic sanctions to end as protesters came out on the streets on Sunday over the shortage of basic needs in the country. The Cuban President called for a "humanitarian gesture" as Cubans called President Miguel to step down. People came out on the streets in Havana and several others places including Santiago as the country struggles amid the pandemic. It was the largest anti-government protest in decades as people chanted “Diaz-Canel step down”. At least ten people were arrested by authorities. Amid the volatile situation, Russia's foreign ministry said it is "unacceptable" for there to be outside interference in the internal affairs of the country. The country has been hit hard due to the pandemic with the vaccine drive going at a slow rate even as the country's economy has contracted in the past year. On Sunday, Cuba recorded 6,923 COVID-19 cases and 47 deaths with hospitals under pressure to treat patients. (With inputs from Agencies)

Cuban President blames US sanctions for anti-government protests

Russia on Monday gave warning against "outside interference" in Cuba which saw thousands taking part in rare protests against the Communist government on the island. Cuba's capital Havana was rocked by the protests that saw citizens asking for food, vaccines and more. Cuba has not been able to control coronavirus within its own borders.

"We consider it unacceptable for there to be outside interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state or any destructive actions that would encourage the destabilisation of the situation on the island," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

She didn't explicitly say what she meant by outside interference but her comments are being interpreted as Russia's warning directed at the United States. Thousands of Cuban-Americans have taken to streets in America to show solidarity with those protesting in Cuba.&nbsp;

"We are closely following the development of the situation in and around Cuba," Zakharova said.

"We are convinced that Cuban authorities are taking all necessary measures to restore public order in the interests of the country's citizens and within the framework of the Constitution."

Cuba was an important Cold War ally of the Soviet Union and Moscow has continued to have good diplomatic relations with Havana since the 1991 collapse of the USSR.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Monday gave warning against "outside interference" in Cuba which saw thousands taking part in rare protests against the Communist government on the island.

Russia on Monday gave warning against "outside interference" in Cuba which saw thousands taking part in rare protests against the Communist government on the island. Cuba's capital Havana was rocked by the protests that saw citizens asking for food, vaccines and more. Cuba has not been able to control coronavirus within its own borders. "We consider it unacceptable for there to be outside interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state or any destructive actions that would encourage the destabilisation of the situation on the island," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. She didn't explicitly say what she meant by outside interference but her comments are being interpreted as Russia's warning directed at the United States. Thousands of Cuban-Americans have taken to streets in America to show solidarity with those protesting in Cuba. "We are closely following the development of the situation in and around Cuba," Zakharova said. "We are convinced that Cuban authorities are taking all necessary measures to restore public order in the interests of the country's citizens and within the framework of the Constitution." Cuba was an important Cold War ally of the Soviet Union and Moscow has continued to have good diplomatic relations with Havana since the 1991 collapse of the USSR. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia warns against 'outside interference' over Cuba protests

From a building facing Havana's iconic Malecon waterfront, pigeon keepers crane out of a window, intently watching the grey birds take flight. Mostly staying indoors due to the country's worst outbreak of COVID-19 since the coronavirus pandemic began in March last year, Cubans are increasingly breeding pigeons as a form of escape.

Cubans turn to pigeon breeding as an escape from COVID-19

Havana's main avenue on Monday saw a rainbow flag draped over a government building as lawmakers prepared a new code that could allow same-sex marriage in Cuba.

Gay pride flag unfurled on Cuban gov't building for first time

For decades, Cuban artist José Antonio Rodríguez Fuster has been creating artwork with mosaic tiles and now he has turned his neighbourhood in Havana into a giant open-air gallery.

Cuba artist hopes mosaics will bring back visitors

Zookeepers at Cuba's National Zoo in Havana are celebrating after four Bengal tiger cubs were born at the zoo, amongst them a rare white tiger.

Four Bengal tiger cubs born at Havana zoo

With Cuban flavor and in the best Celia Cruz style, the group "Los 3 de la Habana" is blasting Miami a week ahead of Election Day with 'The Trump Song', an earworm salsa beat with the lyrics "Oh my God, I'll vote for Donald Trump." The President himself has added the song to his campaign rally playlist and posted their video and thanked them on his official Youtube channel.

"The Trump Song": Earworm Cuban Salsa hit blasts in Miami ahead of Election Day

Havana was once dubbed the 'Paris of the Caribbean' for its beautiful architecture, vibrant arts scene, and flourishing nightlife. Now it even has its own Eiffel Tower.

Havana, the 'Paris of the Caribbean,' gets its own Eiffel Tower

82-year-old Feridia Rojas, a retired nurse, shuffles through the streets of Havana on shopping excursions, wearing a protective cardboard box to ward off the coronavirus, a novel twist in adhering to government-imposed protective measures.

Cuban pensioner wards off virus with cardboard box

To protect herself from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, Retired nurse Feridia Rojas wears cardboard shaped into a house at a market. Watch report.

Cubans dons full-body cardboard shield | COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic: Cubans dons full-body cardboard shield

Cuban opera singer Andrés Sánchez found a new audience on Sunday night to perform his arias for, since concert halls were shut down on the island as part of a lockdown due to the novel coronavirus.

Opera singer performs from his balcony in Havana

The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting growth in inequality in Communist Cuba as worsening shortages force most citizens to spend hours in line to purchase basic goods while the better-off are shopping online.

Online shopping highlights Cuba's inequality in time of coronavirus

The Silva twins were supposed to be on an international tour with their dance company last week, performing for large crowds to cheers and applause. Instead, they found themselves on their terrace, practising to the sound of the ocean in the light of the sunset, occasionally interrupted by their two rambunctious dogs.

Dance on rooftops, seaside sunsets: Cuban artists find inspiration in coronavirus quarantine

The family of Emilia Montoya, 79, sacrificed four white doves and two roosters, chanted in the African language Yoruba and pounded a wooden staff rhythmically on the floor in a ceremony to protect Montoya from coronavirus

With bird sacrifices and chants, Cuba's Santeria seek protection from coronavirus

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