Over the past day, Cuba has been grappling with severe challenges as a widespread energy collapse continues to grip most of the island. This ongoing crisis has sparked reactions both domestically and abroad, with expressions of solidarity becoming more common as the Cuban population faces extensive power outages with no immediate resolution in sight. Below, we highlight the key events in Cuba from October 21 through the early hours of October 22, 2024.
Widespread Blackout: Satellite Images Highlight Cuba's Darkened State
The extensive blackout in Cuba, which began last Friday, is still affecting millions of residents. Satellite images reveal the full extent of the blackout, depicting the island shrouded in darkness. These images, shared by NASA and analyzed by Ryan Berg, underscore the severity of the situation. The tropical storm Oscar has further compounded the crisis in eastern provinces such as Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo.
Recovery Efforts in Havana Meet Persistent Challenges
In Havana, the Electric Company announced a partial restoration of the power grid. However, several neighborhoods, including Playa and Centro Habana, remain without electricity due to ongoing issues. Authorities have indicated they are working swiftly to address these failures, yet many areas continue to experience significant disruptions.
U.S. Observes Cuba's Energy Crisis, Considers Humanitarian Aid
The United States government is closely monitoring the energy crisis in Cuba and has not ruled out the possibility of providing humanitarian assistance. Despite this, American officials note that the Cuban government has yet to formally request help. The White House has emphasized that the blackouts stem from internal mismanagement of the energy sector rather than the U.S. embargo, as claimed by the Cuban regime.
Community Initiatives and Restaurants Step Up to Support Residents
Amidst the crisis, activists in Cerro, Havana, have organized the distribution of free lunches to low-income families. This initiative has been crucial in aiding many households that lost food due to the lack of refrigeration during the outages. In Old Havana, the private restaurant "Ley Seca" is also providing free meals to neighbors to prevent perishable goods from spoiling.
LPG Shortage and Price Gouging in Ciego de Ávila
The energy crisis has also led to a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas. In Ciego de Ávila, price gouging has driven the cost of gas cylinders to an astronomical 60,000 pesos, a price far beyond the reach of most Cubans. This exploitation has sparked outrage among citizens already struggling with prolonged power cuts and cooking challenges.
National Culture Day Celebrations Amid Power Outages
Despite the pervasive blackouts, the Cuban government went ahead with National Culture Day celebrations in Bayamo, marking the first rendition of the National Anthem. Many citizens have criticized these events, arguing that the government is disconnected from the stark realities faced by the population, such as the lack of electricity and basic resources.
Acts of Solidarity: Sharing Soup in Caibarién
In the midst of hardship, a young man from Caibarién has been lauded on social media for his generous act of cooking and distributing soup to his neighbors. At a time when some are exploiting the crisis for profit, this gesture of kindness exemplifies the resilience and community spirit of the Cuban people.
The Regime Seeks International Assistance to Address the Crisis
The Cuban government, led by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, is engaging in discussions with countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, and Russia to secure international aid for resolving the energy crisis. However, immediate solutions remain elusive, and the country's energy infrastructure continues to suffer from years of underinvestment.
Cuban Influencers Voice Criticism Amidst Luxuries and Social Media
Cuban influencer Flor de Cuba has stirred controversy by seeking refuge in a luxury hotel in Havana to escape the blackouts. While her followers have criticized this move, she maintains that her priority is to safeguard her family during the ongoing crisis.