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The growing geopolitical tension in the Caribbean and the rapid collapse of internal conditions in Cuba have raised alarms: several embassies and international companies are reportedly discreetly updating their evacuation protocols in anticipation of the possibility of a larger emergency scenario on the island, according to the EFE agency.
Embassies and international companies with a presence in the country have begun to review their contingency plans in light of the increasing pressure from Washington, in a context marked by internal crisis and geopolitical instability in the Caribbean following the American capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
According to the cited media outlet, concerns have escalated in recent weeks within foreign diplomatic missions and business branches, which are watching with unease the rapid deterioration of the situation in Cuba, worsened by prolonged blackouts, a critical shortage of fuel, and an unprecedented economic collapse.
Embassies update lists and prepare emergency scenarios
Diplomatic sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least a dozen European and Latin American countries are updating their evacuation plans, reviewing the records of their citizens residing in Cuba, and even contacting them directly to verify information.
“It is our responsibility to review the plans and prepare scenarios,” stated a diplomat in Havana, given the sensitivity of the matter.
Some embassies are also preparing to face prolonged periods without electricity, water, or fuel, situations that are becoming increasingly common on the island and could intensify in the event of a major crisis.
Other embassies, although they claim not to see an immediate need to activate protocols, acknowledge that they remain vigilant.
International companies are rethinking their activities in Cuba
Uncertainty has also reached the private sector. Several subsidiaries of foreign multinational companies privately acknowledged to EFE that they have had to rethink their operations on the island, due to two main threats: a potential limited U.S. military intervention and the impact of the deteriorating Cuban economy on production and logistics.
Business sources warned that the increase in power outages and the scarcity of fuels are pushing the continuity of many manufacturing operations to the limit.
Some companies claim to have fuel reserves, but they fear that if shipments from Venezuela and Mexico are definitively disrupted, production will become unsustainable.
Unilever evacuates families of foreign workers
One of the most notable cases mentioned by EFE is that of the British multinational Unilever, which is said to have already evacuated the families of its foreign employees in Cuba, according to two sources close to the company.
The company, which produces hygiene, cleaning, and beauty products on the island, has not responded to requests for comments so far.
Washington hardens its tone: "Cuba is about to fall"
Since Maduro's capture on January 3, the United States has issued direct warnings to Havana and has tightened the energy blockade, forcing the closure of oil supplies from Venezuela, the main source of sustenance for the Cuban regime.
Donald Trump recently stated that Cuba was “about to collapse” after the energy crisis, and went further by claiming that the only thing left to do was “to go in and destroy the place,” as reported by EFE.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also fueled tensions by stating, "If I were in Havana, I would be worried, even just a little."
Internal crisis and explosive scenario
The new climate of confrontation coincides with the worst economic and social moment Cuba has faced in decades: widespread blackouts, general shortages, a health crisis, and a country still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in the east.
Experts quoted by EFE believe that the current situation is one of the tensest between the two countries since 1959, due to both Washington's assertiveness, which does not rule out a military option, and the extreme fragility of the Cuban regime amid a total crisis.
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