Cubans are reeling from a nationwide blackout that has now entered its third day, leaving many without electricity, cash, and basic supplies. The frustration is palpable as residents express feelings of desperation over their precarious situation.
Adismary Cuza, a mother in Havana, voiced her concerns over her daughter’s medication, which needs refrigeration. “What is going to happen to my daughter?” she exclaimed, highlighting the gravity of the ongoing crisis.
The Blackout Dilemma
The blackout follows a catastrophic failure of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the largest of Cuba’s eight ageing coal-fired plants. Lazaro Guerra, head of electricity supply at the Energy Ministry, reported that a chain reaction caused the entire grid to collapse, plunging the island into darkness.
While emergency power has been restored to some sectors, most neighbourhoods remain in a state of blackout. Schools have closed, public transport has stalled, and many medical facilities can only operate thanks to emergency generators.
Voices of Discontent
Serguei Castillo, a retired worker, lamented, “There is no life here. This country gives nothing.” With banks shut and ATMs offline, many residents are left scrambling for basic necessities.
Isabel, a local resident, described the struggle to secure water for her family as her husband carried buckets up to their apartment. “A country paralyzed for three days is too much,” she said, showcasing the emotional toll this crisis takes on everyday life.
A Greater Struggle
The power cuts have become more severe in recent weeks, with some provinces experiencing blackouts of up to 20 hours daily. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero even declared an