The National Electric Union said power outages are expected to persist until mid-December, prompting frustrated residents to block a main highway and demand electricity in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The UN estimated that around 53,000 people are still unable to return home in Cuba, with social worker Lianet Socarras highlighting families relying on shelters and water deliveries amid strained U.S.-Cuba relations and continuing sanctions enacted during the administration of Donald Trump.