Cuba hit with seventh major blackout of the year

Cuba faced its seventh major blackout of the year on Friday, compounded by fuel shortages and unstable weather conditions, according to state-run utility UNE. In Havana, only five percent of residents had power in the evening. The nationwide blackout marked the 12th since late 2024 and resulted from a transmission line failure paired with weather instability.

The situation worsened after the United States imposed a de facto energy blockade in January to pressure Havana's communist government. This blockade has significantly hampered Cuba's ability to supply power plants and backup generators, mainly reliant on imported diesel. Schoolteacher Lidia Fernandez, who had just completed her workday, expressed her frustration, stating that the prolonged blackouts have left residents feeling "crazy."

Retiree Francisco Rodriguez reported that his home had been without power for 28 hours, fearing it might continue for several days. The power cuts have also affected the island's water supply and mobile phone network, exacerbating living conditions. Study coordinator Mayra Espina noted that the economic crisis, with 66% of the population living in poverty, is worsening.

Despite the hardships, many residents, like 60-year-old Zunilda Garcia, strive to remain calm and hopeful.