Cuban content creator Sofii Magdaleno has shared a poignant account that starkly illustrates the harsh conditions in Cuba.
"This is the harsh reality unfolding in Cuba right now. Refrigerators are being used only for storing water since any food would spoil," the young woman stated in a video she posted on Facebook.
"I don't think people truly grasp the severity of Cuba's situation. Folks, we're living like animals. It's genuinely concerning because this is taking a toll on everyone," she added.
In the video's description, the Cuban woman was even more candid.
"Currently, the situation in Cuba is dire. People are dying, and we'll all end up with either mental or severe physical illnesses because no one can maintain their health or strength under these conditions."
The video has garnered over 44,000 views, nearly 2,900 likes, and 318 comments, highlighting the resonance these citizen accounts have among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
The Crisis Eroding Everyday Life
By July 2026, power outages in Cuba have averaged between 20 to 26 continuous hours, with some areas experiencing over 72 hours without electricity. In Matanzas, blackouts have lasted up to 87 hours.
Cuba has suffered five nationwide blackouts in 2026. This has had a catastrophic effect on food supply, as shortages are compounded by the inability to preserve perishables.
Other Cuban content creators have shared how they've lost all their food due to these outages, and one mother has publicly condemned what she called a failed government.
Despite this, on June 25, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denied the existence of a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, although he acknowledged the population is enduring "severe hardships."
Understanding the Cuban Crisis
What are the current living conditions in Cuba according to Sofii Magdaleno?
Sofii Magdaleno describes the living conditions as dire, with people living like animals due to the inability to store food properly and a lack of basic resources.
How severe are the power outages in Cuba?
By mid-2026, power outages have reached 20 to 26 hours on average, with some areas experiencing blackouts for over 72 hours, severely impacting daily life.
What has been the government's response to the crisis?
Despite severe hardships, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has denied a humanitarian crisis exists, though he admits the population is facing significant challenges.