Cubans detail struggle to survive as days-long blackouts make life ‘harsh and sad’

Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA girl cools off in a plastic pool in the street in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 (AP)Cubans say life has become “difficult, harsh and sad” as the country faces one of its most severe crises since the revolution, marked by widespread and unpredictable power outages that have profoundly disrupted daily life across the island. The crisis is attributed to a combination of factors, including a crumbling energy grid, decades of U.S. sanctions, failed economic reforms, and an oil blockade imposed by the Trump administration, which threatened tariffs on oil suppliers. These prolonged blackouts, often lasting for days, force residents to spring into action any time the electricity returns: "You want to do everything at the same time — wash clothes, iron, cook, tidy the rooms, because it’s impossible in the dark, and even get a little relief from the heat. What we used to do in 10 hours, we now have to do in two."The blackouts have also led to the collapse of public transportation and the vital tourism sector, and exacerbate shortages of medicine and food. Cubans are adapting to the harsh conditions by using small generators, installing solar panels, cooking over wood fires, and storing water, as the lack of electricity also impacts water supply. The severe conditions have led to neighborhood protests in some municipalities, particularly Havana, where residents have demonstrated against blackouts lasting over 48 hours, reflecting widespread anguish and desperation amid surging inflation and a devalued currency. In fullLife in Cuba revolves around small bursts of electricity as blackouts last for daysMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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