Bayamo residents show resilience during prolonged power outages,...

In Bayamo, Granma province, residents are facing extensive power outages, with some municipalities experiencing blackouts for up to 48 hours straight. The local electric company reports limited power generation, leading to an uneven distribution of electricity across urban and rural areas.

What happened

The provincial head of the Communist Party of Cuba, Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, shared a social media post highlighting community cooking efforts during the prolonged blackouts. She framed these collective food preparation activities as an example of community resilience in the face of the energy crisis.

Where and when

These scenes unfolded in neighborhoods within Bayamo, the capital city of Granma province. The outages have been ongoing as of June 2026, with specific durations reported to be as long as 48 consecutive hours in several municipalities. Residents resorted to improvised cooking methods due to the lack of electricity and refrigeration.

Why it matters

The prolonged power cuts are causing significant hardship for residents. Beyond cooking challenges, people are reporting difficulties accessing clean water, preserving food, and maintaining essential services. The situation reflects a broader national energy crisis impacting economic activities and daily life across Cuba.

What parties say

According to Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the collective cooking demonstrates community resilience. Local residents, however, have expressed concerns about the impact on water, food, and essential services. Local authorities acknowledge limitations in the electrical system's response capacity and have initiated support measures like providing mobile charging stations and community information campaigns.

What comes next

The situation in Bayamo is part of a wider national energy crisis. While official reports suggest efforts are underway to improve the electrical system's stability, citizens are adapting with temporary solutions. The duration and impact of these outages continue to be a point of concern for the population in the eastern region of the country.