Cubans endure days without power as energy crisis hits hard

Cuba is currently experiencing a significant energy crisis that has left millions of people without electricity for several days. This situation has been exacerbated by the recent impact of Hurricane Oscar, which caused destruction along the northeastern coast of the island. As a result, around 10 million Cubans have been affected by a nationwide blackout, leading to a challenging week for many families. In Havana, Yusely Perez, a local resident, found herself in a desperate situation as her neighborhood had not received any deliveries of liquefied gas for cooking for two months. With the electrical grid down, she and her husband had to search the city for charcoal but were unsuccessful. Instead, they resorted to collecting firewood from the streets to prepare meals. Yusely expressed her concern, stating, 'We’ve gone two days without eating,' as she cooked yucca chips in a pot of lukewarm oil. The energy crisis in Cuba has raised alarms among economists who argue that the country's energy infrastructure requires urgent investment. Vicente de la O Levy, the energy and mines minister, attributed the ongoing issues to the 'brutal' US economic embargo, which he claims hinders Cuba's ability to import necessary parts and fuel for power stations. In contrast, the US State Department countered that the energy production problems stem from the Cuban government's mismanagement rather than external factors. Despite the minister's assurances that normal service would resume soon, the electrical grid suffered another collapse shortly after his statement, marking the fourth failure in just 48 hours. As night fell, the extent of the blackout became evident, with Havana's streets plunged into darkness. Residents gathered outside their homes, illuminated only by the light of their mobile phones, as they tried to cope with the oppressive heat. Some residents, like Victor, a restaurant worker, openly criticized the government's handling of the crisis. He remarked, 'The people who run this country are the ones who have all the answers,' expressing frustration over the government's decision to prioritize tourism development over energy infrastructure. Victor pointed out the significant investments made in hotels, questioning why the energy system was neglected. President Miguel Diaz-Canel addressed the nation, warning against protests related to the blackout and stating that the authorities would not tolerate any disruptions to social order. The ongoing energy crisis has raised serious concerns about the future of electricity in Cuba. Ricardo Torres, an economist, highlighted that the country's electricity generation has fallen significantly, with current production only meeting 60-70% of national demand. He emphasized that the recent problems in the energy grid are not isolated incidents but rather the result of long-term neglect. Marbeyis Aguilera, a mother of three, shared her experience of living without power for six days. She described her struggle to provide for her children, stating, 'We have no choice but to cook like this or use firewood to provide something warm for the children. ' Marbeyis emphasized the urgent need for electricity, water, and food in her community, where many families are facing dire circumstances. The situation in Aguacate, where Marbeyis lives, reflects a broader trend of power shortages that have persisted since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, further complicating the lives of residents. The sight of families cooking with firewood in the 21st century serves as a stark reminder of the poverty that many Cubans face. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the impact of Hurricane Oscar has added to the difficulties, leaving many homes damaged and vulnerable. Cubans are left to wonder when the next blackout might occur, as the precarious state of the island's energy infrastructure continues to raise concerns.