Cuban content creator Gely la Flaki recently shared a video on Facebook expressing her desperation and demanding immediate change in Cuba. She vividly describes the extreme conditions her family endures, including power outages lasting over 24 hours, unbearable heat, and a complete lack of running water.
"Do you know why my face is shining? Because not even the aborigines in their time experienced the heat we are suffering in Cuba with blackouts lasting more than 24 hours," the young woman states at the beginning of her video.
Gely highlights that alongside the absence of electricity, she also lacks water for bathing. She managed to fill a small pool at home for various uses, having to pay 6,000 pesos for brackish water that "isn't even fit for drinking."
Energy and Water Crisis Collide
Cuba’s energy crisis is compounded by severe water supply issues, with many areas going days without service. "You have to chase after the water truck to bring you water. Do you know how much it costs? 30,000 pesos! Divide that by 660 to see how much it costs in dollars," she remarked.
This situation aligns with the documented reality in Havana. In the capital, over 500,000 people face water shortages, and the price for a water truck on the informal market can range from 9,000 to 50,000 pesos depending on the area and urgency.
The Overwhelming Burden of Blackouts and Thirst
Gely concluded her video with a plea that reflects the exhaustion felt across the entire island: "We need a change now. Please, everyone! I'm going crazy, and like me, the whole of Cuba is going crazy right now."
The connection between these crises is clear: 87% of Cuba’s water pumping system relies on electricity, so every blackout also cuts off water supply. In July, the situation in the capital worsened to the point that authorities had to deploy military water trucks to supply Havana's municipalities.
Fuel Shortages Add to the Strain
Gas shortages further exacerbate the crisis. Gely reported that when gas cylinders are available, they are sold for "50 or more than 80 dollars in Cuba Max."
Her video follows the sixth nationwide blackout this year, which occurred on August 2 when the National Electric System collapsed. This isn't the first time Gely has spoken out. In June, she posted a video after 27 hours without electricity or water, which also went viral.
In her recent video, she also addresses those who downplay the suffering of Cubans: "Then they come and say, 'Oh, you just want to complain.' Spend a month here and see how you will complain too."
Understanding Cuba's Power and Water Crisis
What are the main issues causing water shortages in Cuba?
The primary issue is the dependency of Cuba's water pumping system on electricity, meaning that power outages directly lead to water shortages. Additionally, an outdated infrastructure and lack of resources exacerbate the problem.
How are gas shortages affecting Cuban citizens?
Gas shortages lead to inflated prices for gas cylinders, making it difficult for citizens to afford them. This exacerbates the hardships faced by many families already struggling with power and water shortages.
Why do power outages occur so frequently in Cuba?
Frequent power outages in Cuba are primarily due to an aging electrical infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and insufficient resources to meet demand. These issues are compounded by economic challenges and mismanagement.