Produce Markets Empty

When hurricanes Gustav and Ike tore through the Cuban countryside last week, they destroyed much of the agricultural harvest.

As a result the "agros"--outdoor vegetable markets--have very little produce in stock, and the prices have increased for what is available. Supply and demand seem to be having an effect on cost.

The state is even selling food donated by Russia at the new higher prices.

Many homes are still without electricity, and are predicted to remain so for up to three months, while the government gets its hands on blockaded materials to repair the "mangled grid".

Thousands of people have lost their homes and are living in schools and other secure state buildings.