Mailén Díaz Almaguer, the sole survivor of the Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 crash on May 18, 2018, has taken to social media to share her thoughts on Cuba's ongoing energy crisis. She voiced her belief that the country is in dire need of change.
"I am certain that enduring days with only two hours of power and 18 hours of blackout will not be in vain. I've turned to God more in prayer and have become increasingly aware that we need a change; and more importantly, that God is at work and something is going to happen," wrote the young woman.
Mailén has been residing in Havana since the tragic accident, living in a house she purchased in Siboney, Playa municipality, with compensation from the crash. She chose this location for its close proximity to the International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN), where she underwent extensive treatment following a severe spinal injury from the crash.
Cuba's Energy Crisis Worsens
Her message comes as Cuba faces its worst energy crisis of the year. Power outages on the island are expected to exceed 2,000 MW this Wednesday, according to forecasts by the Electric Union, impacting 63% of the country.
Projections indicate a maximum outage of 2,113 MW on Wednesday, the highest of the year, with up to 18-hour blackouts in Havana and over 20-hour outages in other provinces. The National Electric System is operating with only 1,200 to 1,430 MW available against a demand of 2,750 to 3,250 MW, a structural deficit exacerbated by key thermoelectric plant failures and fuel shortages.
Mailén's Faith and Resilience
Mailén's reflections are grounded in her Christian faith, citing Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
At the age of 19, Mailén survived when the plane crashed just 35 seconds after taking off from José Martí International Airport en route to Holguín. Out of 113 passengers, she was the only survivor.
This is not the first time Mailén has spoken out about her situation. In June 2022, she criticized the Cuban government for neglect, mentioning a lack of gloves and lubricant for her urinary catheter, as well as the daily antiseptic Nitrofurantoin she needs.
Her husband, Mario Jesús Rodríguez Oliva, has also voiced their struggles, noting years of unsuccessfully attempting to meet with Díaz-Canel, and has called the greeting cards from the Cuban leader to Mailén "hypocritical."
In April 2026, Mailén once again called for justice for the crash victims, just a month shy of the eighth anniversary, amid a Mexican court ruling against Global Air, the airline involved in the crash.
As May 18 approaches, marking eight years since the disaster, Mailén continues to use this date as a time for remembrance, a call for justice, and now, a beacon of hope amid the crisis plaguing all Cubans.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is largely due to structural deficits in power generation, exacerbated by failures in key thermoelectric plants and fuel shortages.
How has Mailén Díaz been affected by the Cuban government's actions?
Mailén Díaz has publicly criticized the Cuban government for neglect, citing a lack of essential medical supplies for her condition and unsuccessful attempts to meet with Cuban leaders.
What is the significance of May 18 for Mailén Díaz?
May 18 marks the anniversary of the Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 crash, which Mailén survived. It serves as a day of remembrance, a call for justice, and now, a symbol of hope for change in Cuba.