A Canadian traveler who was in Havana during the nationwide blackout on Monday, July 6, expressed his gratitude to numerous Cubans who kept him informed in real-time about the collapse of the electrical system. He emphasized that in Cuba, obtaining reliable information is often more challenging than dealing with the power outage itself.
Mike Fisher, a content creator focused on travel to Cuba with a large following on Facebook and YouTube, noticed the blackout around noon. Soon after, messages began pouring in from various parts of the country, confirming that the outage affected the entire island.
"I want to thank everyone who sent me information while I was in Havana. I noticed it at noon, and right away people started messaging me about the blackout across Cuba," he shared in a video posted on Facebook.
For Fisher, these messages were invaluable, providing more than just updates.
"I deeply appreciate it because when you're in Cuba, in Havana or elsewhere, accurate information doesn't reach you until hours later."
Practical Decisions Amidst the Blackout
He explained that these alerts allowed him to make practical decisions throughout the day.
"It helped me organize my day. It helped me decide whether to use the elevator or not."
Fisher also highlighted that many Cubans follow his posts because the comments often provide updated information about events on the island.
A Long Night Before Leaving Cuba
Following the blackout, Fisher decided to head early to José Martí International Airport to avoid any potential issues.
"I left early... just in case. Long night at the airport," he later wrote from Panama, where he had a layover before continuing his journey to Toronto.
The content creator had to return to Canada through Tocumen International Airport as major Canadian airlines suspended their flights to Cuba since February due to aviation fuel shortages, forcing many travelers to use alternative routes.
Once outside the island, Fisher described the situation he encountered during his stay.
"Cuba is not in good shape. Havana is struggling significantly, with daily issues of electricity and water."
He also expressed his solidarity with the Cuban people.
"My heart goes out to the citizens of Cuba. They're facing challenges like never before. They need help, support, fuel, and hope."
His words carry a special weight as he is not just an occasional visitor. Fisher has been traveling to Cuba regularly since 1985 and asserts that the current crisis is the most severe he has witnessed in over four decades of visiting the island.
The blackout he experienced was the seventh total collapse of the National Electrical System in the last 18 months and the third recorded in 2026, a crisis that also severely affected telecommunications and hindered the population's access to timely information.
Before boarding his return flight, Fisher summed up his feelings in a short phrase posted from Panama: "Just landed... and I already miss Cuba."
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Electrical Crisis
What caused the blackout in Cuba on July 6?
The blackout on July 6 was due to a collapse of the National Electrical System, a recurring issue over the past 18 months, severely affecting the island's infrastructure.
Why did Canadian airlines suspend flights to Cuba?
Canadian airlines suspended flights to Cuba due to a shortage of aviation fuel, leading travelers like Mike Fisher to find alternative routes.
How do people in Cuba get information during a blackout?
During a blackout, reliable information is difficult to obtain quickly in Cuba. Many rely on messages from friends and social media updates for current news.