With temperatures soaring past 95 degrees Fahrenheit, high humidity, and a surge in disease-carrying mosquitoes like those spreading dengue, the ongoing power outages plaguing Cuba have evolved from mere electrical issues into a significant public health threat. For months, millions of Cubans have endured daily power cuts that, in many provinces, stretch beyond 24 hours. This situation not only diminishes quality of life but also rapidly deteriorates both the physical and mental health of the populace.
Extreme Heat and Sleepless Nights
Nights without electricity mean no fans or air conditioning. In a tropical climate, sleeping in stifling heat becomes nearly impossible. The accumulated lack of rest can lead to chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, irritability, sleep disorders, and a weakened immune system. "We've gone weeks without sleeping well. My son cries all night due to the heat and mosquitoes, and the next day he goes to school exhausted," shares Laura, a mother from Bayamo.
Increased Mosquitoes, Increased Disease
Constant outages exacerbate mosquito proliferation in both urban and rural areas. The lack of ventilation and the necessity to store water due to intermittent supply raises the risk of diseases like dengue and Oropouche, both confirmed in the country. Without power to run repellent devices or properly store food and water, sanitary conditions deteriorate swiftly, creating a breeding ground for epidemics.
Mental Health Impact: Anxiety, Depression, and Despair
Beyond physical discomfort, prolonged outages wreak havoc on mental health. Daily uncertainty, an inability to plan, and a sense of state abandonment fuel feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. "There are days I feel like I'm going to explode. Not being able to refrigerate food, not sleeping, not having light to cook... it makes you feel worthless," says Yoel, from Ciego de Ávila.
Children, Elderly, and Chronically Ill: The Most Vulnerable
The most vulnerable sectors suffer the greatest. Young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses (such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension) face higher risks due to the lack of medication refrigeration, extreme heat, and the unavailability of basic medical equipment reliant on electricity.
A Sustained Crisis Without Structural Solutions
Power cuts are not new to Cuba, but their frequency, duration, and impact in 2024 and 2025 are reaching alarming levels. While the government attributes these issues to fuel shortages and breakdowns in the national power system, citizens demand real solutions and emergency measures that prioritize public health over tourism or propaganda. In a context where poverty, food insecurity, and medication shortages are already daily realities, prolonged outages worsen all health indicators, highlighting once again the fragility of Cuba's system in the face of structural crises.
Ultimately, it is not just the power that is cut off in Cuba, but the health, emotional stability, and dignity of millions living in literal and metaphorical darkness. Institutional responses, in turn, become another form of violence.
Understanding the Impact of Power Outages in Cuba
How do power outages affect physical health in Cuba?
Power outages lead to extreme heat exposure and lack of sleep, causing chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immunity, making individuals more susceptible to illness.
What are the mental health consequences of these outages?
The outages contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness due to daily uncertainty and inability to plan.
Who is most vulnerable to the effects of power outages in Cuba?
Young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable due to the lack of necessary medical equipment and medication refrigeration.