After enduring more than 40 hours without electricity, a Cuban family resorted to desperate measures to salvage their food supplies. This struggle was captured on May 25, 2026, by a TikToker known as @laurenlotti5, and the video quickly garnered over 266,000 views on TikTok.
Faced with the imminent spoilage of perishable items, the family decided to share their food with neighbors for immediate cooking. "It's heartbreaking to see food on the verge of spoiling, so we handed it out to neighbors to cook right away," the TikToker explained in the video.
Their other option was to embark on a quest for ice under the relentless Cuban sun, traveling long distances with no assurance of finding any. "My grandparents went hunting for ice as if it were gold. We traveled far, and all we managed to find was this, because nearly no one has power, so we're left to chop it up and fill the fridge to buy a few more hours against the blackout," she described.
The video's creator encapsulated the irony succinctly: in Cuba, ice has become more dependable than electricity.
Widespread Impact of Power Outages Across Cuba
The scenario depicted in the video is far from unique. Cubans throughout the island have reported extensive food losses during prolonged power outages, which have lasted up to 85 consecutive hours in some areas. Without refrigeration and with temperatures soaring to 100°F (38°C), perishable items become unsafe within just two hours.
On May 14, 2026, Cuba's electricity generation shortfall reached 2,174 MW, leaving over 54% of the island in darkness. By June, the deficit persisted at 2,038 MW, with the highest impact occurring at 8:30 PM. In Havana, blackouts often stretched from 20 to 24 hours daily.
The national electrical system has collapsed entirely at least seven times in 18 months. The nationwide blackout on March 16, 2026, lasted 29 hours and 29 minutes. Restoring service led to overloads that caused explosions and damaged appliances in 14 homes in Santa Clara.
The Ripple Effects of an Unstable Infrastructure
The crisis extends beyond electricity, affecting water access as well: 87% of Cuban aqueducts rely on electricity for pumping, leaving millions without regular access to potable water. On June 20, one Cuban reported experiencing 42 hours without power and over three weeks without water.
Other families have adopted similar strategies to those of @laurenlotti5: cooking at 3 AM when power is available, using charcoal or wood, or simply discarding what cannot be saved.
In addition to highlighting the crisis, @laurenlotti5's video showcases a humanitarian aid delivery funded by her followers, including items like instant milk, beans, spaghetti, oil, detergent, rice, coffee, sugar, flour, and tomato puree, all delivered to a man in need. "None of this would be possible without you. Thank you for every blessing you send our way," she expressed at the video's conclusion.
In closing, she posed a question to her followers that underscores the daily challenges faced by Cubans: "Share in the comments if you know any methods to preserve food."
Understanding Cuba's Power Struggles and Food Preservation Challenges
What measures are Cubans taking to preserve food during power outages?
Cubans are sharing food with neighbors for immediate cooking, searching for ice to prolong food preservation, cooking at unconventional hours, and using alternative cooking methods like charcoal and wood.
How severe is the electricity crisis in Cuba?
The electricity crisis is severe, with outages lasting up to 85 hours in some areas. More than 54% of the island has been affected, and the national grid has collapsed multiple times over recent months.
What other services are impacted by power outages in Cuba?
In addition to electricity, water services are severely impacted, as 87% of aqueducts need electricity for pumping, leaving many without consistent access to clean water.