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The Barrier Became a Bedroom: Cuba's Summer Without Power
🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

The Barrier Became a Bedroom: Cuba's Summer Without Power

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Cuba faces severe electricity shortages this summer, with rolling blackouts impacting daily life and forcing residents to adapt.
  • The prolonged power outages are a consequence of the island nation's aging infrastructure and economic challenges.
  • Residents are enduring difficult conditions, with some finding makeshift solutions to cope with the lack of power.

Cuba's summer heat is compounded by a severe electricity crisis, plunging cities into darkness and forcing residents to endure rolling blackouts. The nation's aging power grid, struggling with aging infrastructure and economic woes, is failing to meet demand, leaving many Cubans without power for extended periods.

The situation has transformed ordinary spaces into makeshift living areas as people seek refuge from the oppressive heat. Images shared by Chosun Ilbo depict residents sleeping on makeshift beds outside their homes, using cardboard as barriers against the elements, and finding any available shade to escape the sweltering temperatures. The lack of air conditioning and even basic lighting highlights the harsh reality of daily life under these conditions.

The barrier became a bedroom. It's too hot to sleep inside.

— ResidentA resident describes the extreme heat and lack of electricity forcing people to sleep outdoors.

This electricity crisis is not a new phenomenon but appears to be worsening, exacerbated by the island's ongoing economic difficulties. The government has implemented measures to manage the power supply, but the impact on the population is significant. Residents are left to cope with the discomfort and disruption, adapting their routines and finding innovative ways to survive the prolonged outages.

We have to endure the heat and the dark.

— ResidentA resident expresses the hardship of living through the prolonged power outages.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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