A young Cuban mother has shared a testimony on social media that reflects, with simplicity and clarity, the precarious living conditions faced in many areas of the country today. In a video posted on TikTok, the user @gelylaflaki describes the daily problems related to the lack of gas, electricity, and water, as well as the strategies families have had to develop to adapt to this reality.
Almost no one knows what it means to cook with gas, she says at the beginning of the video, recorded from her home. “Many of us cook with electric stoves, and even with charcoal, but the power goes out.”
In less than two minutes, the young woman manages to condense the experience of millions of Cubans: surviving amidst power outages, water scarcity, extreme heat, and the reliance on basic technologies like portable fans or battery chargers to cope with the blackouts. “This is terrible; you have electricity but no water, the electricity goes out and the water comes in... it’s absolute madness.”
The testimony also addresses the role of mobile data, which has recently become more expensive but remains essential for finding basic products or sustaining small businesses: “Now, most transactions are conducted through social media. There are times when you can't find oil, you can't find detergent, you can't find chicken in your area, and you have to post about it in the groups.”
Silent resistance
The post has generated responses of support, recognition, and resignation. “I confirm it; this is the reality of Cuba. I experience it daily,” wrote one user. Another commented: “Everything is very sad, Flaki. The situation is tough; it gets worse every day.”
Beyond the social network, the content is situated within a national context marked by the deepening of the energy crisis. This Wednesday, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) reported a deficit exceeding 1,600 megawatts and prolonged blackouts throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the government has begun to implement strict austerity measures, affecting both the private sector and state entities, while promoting the use of charcoal briquettes as an alternative for cooking due to the shortage of gas and electricity.
In areas like San Miguel del Padrón, in Havana, prolonged outages have provoked neighborhood protests, while reports of food losses, health issues, disruptions to work, and chaotic household routines continue to rise.
A shared reality
The case of @gelylaflaki is not isolated. Similar testimonies have emerged in recent weeks from different parts of the country. Mothers, young people, and workers share videos showing how they reorganize their lives around electricity schedules, how they improvise stoves with charcoal, or how they have learned to identify which type of fan gives them more "independence" during a blackout.
"I have one that lasts three to four hours. But now everyone is after these orange and black fans with lithium batteries that claim to last up to 24 hours," comments the young woman in her video, while holding a small lapel microphone.
Far from being merely anecdotal, her words document a structural reality: a country where cooking, bathing, communicating, or simply sleeping depends on factors outside people's control. "It's not easy, but we always manage," she implies between the lines.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Living Conditions in Cuba
What is the current situation regarding blackouts in Cuba?
The situation with power outages in Cuba is critical, with electricity cuts lasting over 24 hours in some areas. This problem is due to a deficit in electricity generation, caused by a lack of fuel and the deterioration of infrastructure. Power outages severely affect the daily life of Cubans, hindering food refrigeration and complicating daily tasks.
How are Cuban families affected by the energy crisis?
Cuban families are facing serious difficulties due to the energy crisis. The lack of electricity leads to the loss of refrigerated food, complicates cooking, and affects rest due to heat and mosquitoes. Mothers, in particular, have to juggle caring for their children under extremely challenging conditions.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced energy-saving measures and has attempted to improve the electrical infrastructure, but the proposed solutions have not been sufficient to resolve the issue of blackouts. The population continues to face prolonged blackouts with no definitive solution in sight.
How are Cuban mothers using social media to cope with the crisis?
Cuban mothers are using social media, especially TikTok, to share their daily experiences and denounce the difficult situation they face. These testimonies serve as a form of catharsis and also as a way to bring attention to the reality of life in Cuba before a wider audience.
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