A visibly distressed and anxious young Cuban woman shared her fears in a TikTok video about the dire state of her country, plagued by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and uncertainty following recent statements by leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The video, posted on the account @gelylaflaki, captures the young woman admitting she feels emotionally "blocked" due to the ongoing situation in Cuba and her concerns that it may worsen in the coming days. Her words echo the anxiety felt by thousands living on the island amidst a deepening energy crisis.
"I'm scared about everything happening here in my country. Long blackouts are coming; it was already announced in the news during a conference held by our president," she expressed, her voice trembling with palpable nervousness.
The woman also voiced her fear that the government might further restrict communications and internet access, a common worry among citizens after years of information blackouts and restrictions.
"I don't know if I should move all my little money here on this platform, just in case they take away the internet too. This is madness," she stated.
She further explained the immense difficulties in obtaining fuel for basic needs. "I want to get gasoline, but I can't find any. The lines are enormous. I just need gasoline to power the fans, lamps, all those little things," she said, referring to the blackouts that force many Cubans to rely on makeshift solutions to endure the heat and darkness.
The video concludes with an emotionally charged moment where the young woman admits to being in a state of extreme anxiety. "I swear, I'm getting goosebumps and everything. I'm in such a nervous state that I don't know..." she says before nearly breaking into tears, pleading for God's "mercy" and strength to "endure whatever comes."
Díaz-Canel's comments on the energy crisis, which the regime itself has acknowledged as severe, have exacerbated fear and uncertainty among the population, already enduring blackouts exceeding 10 to 12 hours daily in several provinces, along with chronic shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
This young Cuban woman's testimony adds to the thousands of messages circulating on social media, where island residents express their exhaustion, despair, and fear in the face of a situation many deem unsustainable.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to outdated infrastructure, insufficient fuel supplies, and economic challenges exacerbated by mismanagement and restrictive government policies.
How are Cubans coping with prolonged blackouts?
Cubans are resorting to improvised solutions such as using generators, relying on battery-powered devices, and sharing resources among communities to manage during prolonged outages.
What measures has the Cuban government proposed to address the crisis?
The government has suggested measures such as rationing electricity, seeking foreign investment in energy infrastructure, and promoting energy-saving practices among the population.