Cubans have taken to social media to refute the statements made by the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) after it promised to prioritize energy availability for the Eastern region of the country.
On their social media, they stated that the goal was to "ensure better preparedness of the population to face the weather event, which means that the other provinces will be more affected."
However, as the powerful hurricane Melissa makes its way toward the east of Cuba, citizen reports arriving in real time to the live broadcast of CiberCuba Noticias portray a country in darkness, misinformed and abandoned by the authorities.
Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo: between blackouts and official silence
Residents of Santiago de Cuba report that the province has been without electricity for over 48 hours.
“In Santiago, without a hurricane, there is never electricity, water, food, or medicine. It is a disrespect and a crime,” denounced V. R. during the live broadcast.
From San Luis and Yateras, users pointed out that the priority remains "to protect life and help children, the elderly, and pregnant women," even though they feel neglected by local authorities.
“It has been raining since last night, and no one from the Civil Defense has come to check if there are people without shelter,” said Y. A., from Guantánamo.
Holguín: without electricity or basic food supplies
Dozens of messages share the same phrase: "Holguín without power."
Neighbors such as E. C., G. O., and S. M. B. reported that the province is without electricity and facing a shortage of food.
“No milk has been given to the children nor the rice that is supposedly being distributed. The sky is overcast and it’s very cold,” reported S. M. B. from Sagua de Tánamo.
Las Tunas: total darkness and despair
From Las Tunas, the messages are filled with anguish and despair.
"We have been without power since yesterday," wrote M. V., while Y. Á. described the situation as "disrespectful and abusive."
"The population is desperate for information. By the time the news arrives, the broadcast is already over," he added.
Another user, L. E. F., reported that "they promised to keep the power on to inform us, but they turned it off."
“Without electricity, without food, without water, without anything,” summarized L. R., also from Tunera.
Granma: without light, without water, and in constant rain
In Bayamo, J. J. M. confirmed that there is no electricity or water.
From Yara, M. V. wrote that they have been without electricity for over 24 hours.
Other reports from Niquero indicate consistent rainfall, although there are some intermittent electrical services.
“All of Cuba is without electricity,” asserted M. E. P., in one of the most shared messages.
Camagüey: without electricity or connection
From the road to Santa Cruz del Sur, O. S. reported: “There is no power or connection.”
In Florida, Y. P. has been without electricity for days, and in Guáimaro, R. C. thanked CiberCuba "for keeping us informed despite the blackout."
Ciego de Ávila: total blackout in Morón
In Morón, A. M. stated that they have been without electricity since Monday at three in the afternoon and indignantly asked, “How much longer will this torment last?”
Matanzas and Mayabeque: prolonged blackouts and poor connectivity
From Matanzas, C. N. reported that they were without electricity for over 24 hours and that the connection remains weak.
In Mayabeque, M. C. sent a message of encouragement: “Strength to everyone.” Although the weather is more stable, power outages and food shortages also impact these provinces.
Havana: without power before the impact
Even in the capital, where the hurricane has not yet directly impacted, power outages began earlier.
“Before the cyclone, we have no power and there’s not even any air,” said L. M., from Arroyo Naranjo.
Other Havana residents, like R. M. T., claim that they "wake up with CiberCuba" because it is their only source of information amid the outages.
From abroad: Cubans inform and support their families
Messages from abroad express solidarity and concern.
From Texas, Y. M. explained that he informs his family in Camagüey "because they almost never have electricity."
In Spain, C. G. recalled that “the situation is not only due to the hurricane, but also because of the economic and health crisis.”
And from Germany, F. R. K. sent a message of support: "Take care of yourselves, stay safe."
A country in darkness before the impact
The hurricane Melissa is moving north with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour. Cuba is facing a deeper storm: widespread blackouts, misinformation, and institutional neglect.
Cubans, once again, are finding out information as best as they can, thanks to independent media like CiberCuba and messages of solidarity from abroad.
The regime, true to its habit, arrives late, without answers or energy, leaving a country exhausted even before the first gust of wind has blown.
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