The endless power outages in Santiago de Cuba, during the peak of extreme heat, have driven children to sleep in doorways and patios as the only way to escape the sweltering conditions, a reality that violently affects the most vulnerable and impoverished segments of the population.
A post by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, on his Facebook profile, revealed an image that many silence out of fear: children sleeping under the open sky, without electricity or ventilation, in conditions that not only verge on the inhumane but also expose the collapse of the most basic necessities.
The testimonies soon began to pour in. "What is happening in Cuba is criminal," commented one user. Another mother wrote: "I live with two small children and it breaks my heart... this is inhumane."
They are voices that, from despair, recount how the blackout has become a daily torture.
Electricity outages not only turn off fans and refrigerators: they also disrupt sleep, mental health, security, and dignity. Entire families spend the early hours of the morning on rooftops, balconies, or in the streets, because it's impossible to breathe inside their homes.
"There is no water, no food, no electricity… there is nothing," summarized another user, echoing a cry repeated by hundreds.
The physical drama is compounded by the emotional impact. "These situations leave psychological scars, especially in children," warned an internet user.
Other comments refer to mental exhaustion, repressed anger, the fear of speaking out, and the absurdity of continuing to attend political events while the people are crumbling without a voice.
Indignation is growing, but the institutional response is lacking. There are no explanations, no solutions, not even a gesture of acknowledgment in the face of a situation that many are already describing as collective punishment.
Meanwhile, the little ones at home continue to sleep in the doorways, under the shadow of a crisis that only worsens.
Images of complete Cuban families sleeping on the street, on makeshift mattresses and under the sweltering heat, have resurfaced as a result of the blackouts and the oppressive summer heat on the island.
A mother in Santiago de Cuba showed her children sleeping on the porch in the early morning because the high temperatures and mosquitoes made it impossible to stay inside. “They can't sleep or go to school. They have to rest on the floor,” she said at that time.
Moreover, journalist Mario J Pentón published a photograph taken in the Vista Alegre neighborhood of Holguín city a few weeks ago, showing a man sleeping in the street, while residents reported that they had been without electricity for over 20 hours.
Similarly, the Cuban actor Andy Vázquez, known for his character Facundo Correcto on the comedy show "Vivir del Cuento," shared a photograph on social media showing a Cuban family, including at least one child, sleeping on the balcony of their home, seemingly due to the prolonged nighttime blackouts affecting the country.
A mother from Camagüey staged a solitary protest in front of the Provincial Government headquarters in Camagüey on July 31, in response to the ongoing blackouts and the state neglect affecting the population.
The mother reported that since 3:00 p.m. the previous day, her area had been without electricity, a critical situation for her family, which includes a small child and another child with Down syndrome.
This is not the first protest recorded by Cuban mothers, many of whom have stood firm countless times but have been silenced and threatened by the regime without receiving responses to their demands.
A young Cuban recently shared on TikTok the anger he felt upon discovering that a whole package of sausages spoiled due to the extensive blackouts affecting the country.
"These are the things that hurt me about Cuba; no one cares about the sacrifices, what you do to put a meal on the table, family is hard," he said, visibly upset in the video.
Frequently Asked Questions about Power Outages in Cuba and Their Impact on the Population
How do blackouts affect families in Santiago de Cuba?
Blackouts in Santiago de Cuba have forced many families to sleep on porches and in patios due to the extreme heat and lack of ventilation. This situation is particularly hard on children, who suffer not only from the heat but also from the lack of adequate rest, affecting their physical and mental health. The blackouts interrupt not only sleep but also the safety and dignity of these families, who are compelled to adapt to inhumane conditions.
What are the consequences of prolonged blackouts for public health in Cuba?
Extended power outages in Cuba pose a serious threat to public health. The lack of electricity complicates the storage of food and medicine, increases the proliferation of mosquitoes, and raises the risk of diseases such as dengue. Furthermore, extreme heat and inadequate rest can lead to chronic exhaustion, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disorders, particularly affecting the most vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Why are the power outage problems in Cuba not being resolved?
Power outage issues in Cuba persist due to a combination of structural factors and lack of resources. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, fuel shortages, deterioration of the electrical infrastructure, and inadequate maintenance are some of the main causes. Despite government promises, solutions remain elusive, increasing frustration and public discontent. The energy crisis has reached alarming levels, with outages exceeding 24 hours in some areas of the country.
What measures are Cuban families taking to cope with power outages?
Many Cuban families are forced to take extreme measures to cope with the blackouts. Some choose to sleep on rooftops or balconies to ease the heat, while others improvise stoves using firewood due to the lack of electricity. Additionally, they have had to reorganize their daily routines and find alternatives for storing food and water under precarious conditions. Desperation leads many people to express their frustration and seek solutions through social media.
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