The Caribbean nation of Cuba is grappling with escalating crises that are exacting a significant psychological toll on its nearly 10 million residents. Sweltering nights, chronic water and power outages, dwindling fuel supplies, crumbling infrastructure, and limited public transportation have become daily realities for many.
Dr. Yomeidis Felicó Riverón, a primary care physician, described the widespread loss of hope among her patients. "They come and cry about their troubles, because they have no one else to vent to," she said, explaining that she often finds herself acting as a psychologist for those seeking an outlet for their anxieties.
The situation has been compounded by U.S. policies and long-standing economic challenges. Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated that from March 2025 to the end of February, U.S. economic sanctions, described as an "economic strangulation," amounted to more than $8 billion, a figure he called a record.
Island-wide blackouts have intensified this year, with daily outages now exceeding 24 hours. These power failures directly impact water availability, leading to scarcity. The growing frustration has resulted in small protests, despite the risk of detention.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana has issued public health alerts reflecting the deteriorating conditions. On August 28, it noted the instability of Cuba's water supply infrastructure and reported that residential areas were experiencing prolonged periods without municipal water. A subsequent alert on Friday warned of an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses, including E. coli, norovirus, and Shigella, linked to the degradation of water and energy systems.
Despite the hardships, many Cubans are striving to maintain resilience. Oscar Joaquín López, an 81-year-old Havana resident, stated he avoids dwelling on shortages to prevent becoming overwhelmed. Dianne Tamayo finds solace in workshops for children, which offer a temporary escape from daily worries, and in the support of her husband.
José Laó Faviel, a 62-year-old mason, was seen searching through overflowing garbage bins for food to feed his pig and piglets, a testament to the severe scarcity. Armando Lafita, 60, pushes a cart selling flowers through crumbling streets, facing daily struggles to make sales.
For many, like Lafita and retired aviation official José Manuel Borroto Díaz, family remains a primary source of strength. Díaz, 70, finds motivation in caring for his 93-year-old mother. Ninety-year-old Lázaro Alfonso Oviedo, who recently participated in a gathering to boost the spirits of the elderly, expressed determination, attributing resilience to the spirit forged by the Cuban revolution.