Trash Fire Sparks Alarm During Blackout in Santiago de Cuba

A blaze broke out at a garbage dump in the Rajayoga neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba on the night of December 28, while the area had been without electricity since 4:00 PM. This incident was reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on social media.

The fire erupted between buildings 2 and 3 of Rajayoga, just across from the Plazoleta, sending a thick plume of smoke throughout the residential area. Residents raised alarms about the flames, which were dangerously close to the buildings, especially concerning given the complete darkness caused by the power outage.

The absence of public lighting and electricity in homes not only made it difficult to see but also heightened the anxiety among families, particularly those with children and the elderly, due to the potential spread of the fire and the risk of inhaling smoke.

As of now, there has been no official statement regarding the cause of the fire, nor any reports of damage or injuries. Meanwhile, locals are questioning the lack of swift response to what was clearly a hazardous situation.

Residents of Rajayoga also highlighted that makeshift dumps have become a recurring issue in the neighborhood, posing a constant threat to health and safety. This problem is exacerbated during the prolonged blackouts affecting the city.

This incident once again underscores the crisis of basic services in Santiago de Cuba, where accumulating trash, power outages, and the lack of structural solutions continue to disrupt daily life for its citizens.