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Cuba has moved beyond the stage of mere economic survival to enter a phase of collapse that already shows signs of a humanitarian emergency, according to testimonies gathered on the island amidst an increasingly deepening crisis.
Patrick Oppmann, chief correspondent for CNN in Havana with 14 years of experience covering the country, told NPR that the current situation marks a point of unprecedented change.
The journalist claims that the situation the island is experiencing is “completely different” from past crises.
Oppmann describes a reality in which large sectors of the population spend much of the day without electricity, directly impacting food preservation, access to water, and mobility.
In many areas, especially outside the capital, power outages can last for entire days.
The energy collapse has brought down other essential services as well.
The lack of fuel has paralyzed transportation and hindered garbage collection in several areas, leading to accumulations that pose health risks.
This is compounded by the deterioration of the healthcare system, where the scarcity of resources and energy compromises medical care. Even basic procedures can be affected by the lack of minimum conditions such as electricity or running water.
The impact is also felt in food supply. With limited or nonexistent refrigeration, food spoils quickly in a context where obtaining it is already a daily challenge for most Cubans.
The journalist also notes an increase in social frustration, reflected in nighttime protests in some areas, where citizens express their discontent despite the risk of reprisals.
In this context, Oppmann emphasizes that the crisis has changed in nature.
It is no longer just a matter of economic difficulties, but rather a structural deterioration that affects all aspects of daily life and brings the country closer to a humanitarian emergency.
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