Christmas Eve in Santiago de Cuba was marked by darkness and sadness. From the afternoon of December 24th, large areas of the city were left without electricity due to blackouts that lasted throughout the night.
The reports shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his social media demonstrate how Santiago de Cuba remained in darkness and silence this December 24th.
Santiago de Cuba practically in the dark,” summarized the reporter, who received videos and photos from neighbors showing unlit streets, dark homes, and families unable to celebrate the traditional Christmas dinner.
Reports indicate that the power outages began between three and four in the afternoon, affecting not only the neighborhoods of the city but also the municipalities.
"There were hardly any lights, creating an atmosphere of sadness and indignation," described one person in one of the videos shared by the journalist.
The people of Santiago were not the only ones affected by the energy crisis. Blackouts have spread throughout the country, accompanied by other severe issues such as inflation, food scarcity, and the deterioration of basic services.
Cubans experienced one of the darkest Christmas Eves in recent years. The crisis has lasted more than five years, but in recent months, power outages have intensified nationwide due to the collapse of the national electricity system, which has been affected by a lack of fuel and the deterioration of generating plants.
The authorities acknowledge the difficulties but do not provide concrete solutions, while thousands of families, such as those in Santiago de Cuba, suffer the consequences.
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