A young Cuban has gone viral on TikTok after posting a video showcasing the difficult living conditions she faces daily in Cuba: without water, without electricity, and enduring unbearable heat.
"I'm going to show you how we live here," says user @katicabm01 at the beginning of the video. With just a tiny light on, she shares that she has been without water for over a week, the tank is empty, and although her house has no electricity, it's connected to a nearby circuit, "like three houses away." "They give it a little power when we don't have any," she explains while showing the conditions of her surroundings.
"These are most of my days. It's true that the Cuban is the only one who is always laughing at his misfortune," he comments while the voices of his neighbors can be heard in the background. The video, which lasts just 70 seconds, has garnered over 23,000 "likes," more than 1,400 comments, and has been shared hundreds of times.
Reactions on social media: sadness, reports, and promises of assistance
The reactions to the video reflect a mix of outrage, solidarity, and exhaustion. Many expressed sadness and frustration over the conditions in Cuba: "This is not life, it's survival," "You can't raise a family like this," or "It's not fair to live like this in the 21st century."
Others launched direct criticisms at the island's political system: "This is the government's fault, which has been destroying the country for decades," "Not even during the Special Period was life this bad," or "This is the true face of Cuban socialism."
From the outside, many offered moral support and even solutions: “If I could, I would get you out of there right now,” “You have a home, electricity, and food in my country,” “I hope one day you can live with dignity.” Several comments even suggested helping her emigrate or recommending countries “where there is no shortage of water or electricity.”
There were also more sarcastic or resigned messages read: "At least they have the internet to share it," "And there are still those who defend this," "The Cuban laughs because otherwise, he cries."
Katty has responded to several comments, thanking for the support and posting more videos where she continues to highlight her daily reality. "Thank you for the support, my loves. Today I woke up the same, without water, but with hope," she wrote in one of them.
Another testimony amid a wave of allegations
Katty's video is part of a wave of viral testimonies on TikTok, where Cubans showcase the precarious situation on the island. An 94-year-old woman in Pinar del Río recently reported the blackouts, along with the shortage of food and medicine. In another post, a family in Villa Clara demonstrated how they wash with a Soviet washing machine, adapting to the power cuts. And a mother in Havana recounted how her child's puree spoiled after being without electricity all night.
These testimonies document what the statistics do not reveal: how daily life in Cuba has become an exercise in resilience. Although many of these videos incorporate humor or tenderness, what underlies them is a reality marked by precariousness, frustration, and a lack of opportunities.
Katty's case gives a young face to a structural issue. A youth that, amidst blackouts and empty tanks, tries to move forward with the only things they have left: words, ingenuity, and a camera to tell their story.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis in Cuba and Its Impact on Daily Life
What are the main difficulties faced by the Cuban population in their daily life?
The main difficulties include the lack of electricity, water, and food, in addition to the high temperatures and mosquitoes that disrupt nighttime rest. Frequent power outages and the scarcity of basic resources have turned daily life into a constant challenge for Cubans, who must resort to improvised methods to cook and survive.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the current situation?
The Cuban population has displayed a mix of indignation, frustration, and solidarity in response to the situation. Many express their sadness and exhaustion on social media, where they share their experiences and denounce the living conditions on the island. Creativity and resilience are common among Cubans, who strive to maintain a positive spirit despite the adversities.
What impact do blackouts have on the lives of Cubans?
Blackouts severely affect the quality of life for Cubans, as they complicate food storage, access to basic services, and nighttime rest. Furthermore, blackouts negatively impact work and education by interrupting access to electricity and, consequently, to essential digital tools and appliances.
What solutions have Cubans proposed in response to the energy crisis?
Some Cubans have proposed practical solutions such as the use of generators, charcoal stoves, and natural mixtures to repel mosquitoes. However, the long-term solution requires effective state intervention to improve energy infrastructure and ensure a consistent supply of electricity and water.
What is the response of the Cuban government to the current crisis?
So far, the Cuban government has not offered concrete or effective solutions to address the energy crisis and improve living conditions. Promises to stabilize the electrical supply have not been met, and the population continues to suffer the consequences of a situation that seems never-ending.
Filed under:
