Cuban news anchor Marisela Alfonso Madrigal has taken to social media to shine a light on the dire living conditions on the island following another widespread power outage. "Blackout, blackout. No, I'm not in Ukraine, I'm right here at 19 and 36," Alfonso Madrigal declared at the start of her video, which captures crowds of people lining up on the streets to purchase bread.
Alfonso Madrigal detailed that the power cut transpired after the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant suffered a collapse on Wednesday, September 10, at 9:14 a.m., leading to a failure of the national electric system. "This is the line for bread because there is no gas, no electricity. People are buying bread and figuring out what they can put inside since not everyone has something to fill it with," she remarked, her tone laced with frustration.
The footage showcases residents on bicycles and on foot navigating through debris and damaged streets as they struggle to secure food during the ongoing energy crisis that is hammering the country. Shared on TikTok, the video has quickly gone viral, encapsulating the public's discontent with the worsening state of essential services in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The recent blackout was triggered by a collapse at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, which disrupted the national electric system.
How have the power outages impacted daily life in Cuba?
The power outages have severely affected daily life, leaving residents without access to basic necessities like gas and electricity, forcing them to queue for bread and other essentials.
Why did Marisela Alfonso Madrigal's video go viral?
The video gained rapid attention due to its candid depiction of the hardships faced by Cubans and the growing dissatisfaction with the country's deteriorating infrastructure and services.