Cuban broadcaster Marisela Alfonso Madrigal shared a video on social media in which she denounces the difficult living conditions on the island following a new massive blackout.
“Power outage, power outage. No, I’m not in Ukraine, I’m here at 19 and 36,” said Alfonso Madrigal at the beginning of the recording, in which he shows dozens of people lining up in the street to buy bread.
The communicator explained that the outage occurred after the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant collapsed on Wednesday, September 10, at 9:14 a.m., which caused a failure in the national electrical system.
"This is the line to buy bread because there is no gas, there is no electricity. And this is a matter of getting bread and seeing what people will put inside, because not everyone has something to add," he remarked in a tone of protest.
The images show neighbors on bicycles and on foot, amidst rubble and impacted streets, trying to obtain food during the ongoing energy crisis that is affecting the country.
The video, shared on TikTok, has gone viral within a few hours and reflects the public's discontent regarding the decline of basic services in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why did the recent massive blackout occur in Cuba?
The massive blackout in Cuba was caused by the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant on September 10. This event left much of the country without electricity, worsening the already critical energy situation facing the island.
What are the consequences of blackouts in Cuba for the population?
Blackouts in Cuba have multiple consequences, such as the loss of food due to lack of refrigeration, difficulties in cooking and storing food, disruptions in daily activities, and a general deterioration of living conditions, especially in households with children, the elderly, or sick individuals.
What measures are Cubans taking to face the energy crisis?
To tackle the energy crisis, some Cubans have begun to install solar panels in their homes as an alternative measure. Additionally, many families resort to cooking with charcoal or use generators when they manage to obtain fuel to operate them.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the prolonged blackouts?
The Cuban population has reacted with discontent and protests over the prolonged blackouts. In Santiago de Cuba, for example, there have been instances of people banging pots and pans to demand the restoration of electricity services, reflecting the growing public dissatisfaction with the situation.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced maintenance work and the synchronization of new units to increase the capacity of the electrical system. However, these measures have not addressed the underlying problem, and the population continues to face prolonged blackouts and a lack of resources.
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