Christmas Eve turned into a night of gloom and darkness for the residents of Santiago de Cuba. On December 24th, starting in the late afternoon, vast sections of the city were plunged into darkness due to power outages that persisted throughout the night.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared reports on social media, highlighting how Santiago de Cuba was engulfed in silence and darkness on this significant evening.
“Santiago de Cuba is practically in the dark,” Mayeta summarized, sharing videos and photos sent by locals depicting unlit streets, dark homes, and families unable to partake in the traditional Christmas Eve dinner.
Reports indicate that power cuts started between three and four in the afternoon, impacting not only city neighborhoods but also surrounding municipalities.
“There were hardly any lights, a mood of sadness and outrage,” described one individual in a video shared by the journalist.
The energy crisis did not spare Santiago alone; power outages have been widespread across the nation, compounding other severe issues like inflation, food shortages, and the erosion of basic services.
Cubans experienced one of the bleakest Christmas Eves in recent memory. The crisis, ongoing for over five years, has seen a worsening in recent months as the national power grid collapses, burdened by fuel shortages and deteriorating power plants.
Even though authorities acknowledge the challenges, they fail to provide concrete solutions, leaving thousands of families, including those in Santiago de Cuba, to suffer the consequences.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the blackouts in Santiago de Cuba on Christmas Eve?
The blackouts were primarily due to the collapse of the national power grid, exacerbated by fuel shortages and aging power plants, leading to widespread power cuts.
How long have energy issues been affecting Cuba?
Cuba has been dealing with energy issues for over five years, with significant intensification in recent months due to systemic failures in the energy infrastructure.
What other issues are plaguing Cuba alongside the energy crisis?
Besides the energy crisis, Cuba is facing severe inflation, food shortages, and the deterioration of basic services, compounding the hardships for the population.