Only in Cuba! A Cuban woman connects a washing machine to a river to wash clothes, desperate due to the lack of water

The lack of water in Cuba forces people to seek extreme solutions. A viral video shows a woman connecting her washing machine to a river, highlighting the precariousness and creativity in the face of the water crisis on the island.


The water crisis in Cuba has forced many citizens to seek extreme solutions to meet basic needs such as washing clothes.

A video that has gone viral on social media shows a Cuban woman using a washing machine connected by a hose to a river, in a desperate attempt to maintain hygiene in her home.

The unusual event was captured by a man who recorded the scene and later uploaded the video to his TikTok account (@julitin38), where he wrote: “Desperate Cuban who has no water and had to go wash in the river.”

In the images, the woman can be seen next to the appliance, with makeshift hoses directing river water straight into the washing machine.

The video has generated a wave of comments on social media, many expressing outrage over the precariousness of basic services on the island and admiration for the creativity of the citizens in facing the situation.

The lack of drinking water is a persistent problem in several provinces of the country. Entire areas can go days, even weeks, without receiving water supply through the pipes, forcing families to turn to wells, rivers, or the expensive service of private water trucks to meet their needs.

This video adds to a long list of citizen complaints that highlight the deterioration of infrastructure and services in Cuba, while the authorities fail to provide effective solutions to a crisis that increasingly affects various aspects of daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis and Services in Cuba

Why did a Cuban woman connect her washing machine to a river?

The Cuban woman connected her washing machine to a river due to the lack of water supply in her community. In Cuba, water scarcity is a persistent issue that forces many people to seek alternative solutions to meet their basic needs. This case exemplifies the desperation and creativity of citizens facing the precariousness of basic services on the island.

What is the current situation of the water supply in Cuba?

The water supply situation in Cuba is critical, with many areas facing prolonged shortages. Regions of the country can go days or weeks without water, and the deteriorating infrastructure complicates the distribution of this resource. The water crisis has forced citizens to rely on wells, rivers, or private water services, often at a high cost.

How does the water crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?

The water crisis severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, affecting personal hygiene and essential household tasks. Without regular access to drinking water, families must seek alternative sources, which involves considerable physical effort and potential health risks. This situation adds to other issues such as blackouts and food shortages, further complicating daily life on the island.

What criticisms does the Cuban government face regarding basic services?

The Cuban government is facing severe criticism for its inability to provide adequate basic services, such as water and electricity. The population expresses their frustration and discontent on social media, denouncing the lack of effective solutions to problems that affect their quality of life. The disconnection between the needs of the people and government actions has generated growing outrage and a sense of abandonment.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.

Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.