Energy crisis in Cuba: Humanitarian needs persist despite fuel supply
Fuel shortages in the country have worsened after Washington took measures in late January to block oil access to the Caribbean country.
Despite the reported arrival of limited fuel supplies, including a recent oil shipment sent by Russia, which was allowed to dock despite last week’s blockade by the United States, “the humanitarian needs in the country remain quite acute and persistent”the top UN official in the country said on Monday, adding that the effects of the energy shock had “worsened” since late March.
Residential coordinator Francisco Pichonwho briefed reporters in New York via video link, revealed a updated action plan aimed at supporting approximately two million people in eight provinces.
The plan builds on previous Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts a focus on the island’s collapsing power grid.
Shock to everyday life
The humanitarian situation has reached a critical tipping point after three months without enough fuel to meet the Caribbean country’s energy needs, which Venezuela had largely met until the US extradition of President Nicolás Maduro in January.
The crisis was further worsened last month when the national electrical system was disconnected three timesplunging the nation into darkness for days.
This energy shortage has paralyzed essential services. Healthcare systems are facing a backlog of more than 96,000 ongoing surgeries, including 11,000 for childrenwhile the National Vaccination Program for thousands of infants has been postponed.
Furthermore, About a million people currently rely on water transport, a service severely hampered by the lack of diesel.
Focus on vulnerable population groups
Mr Pichon stressed that the crisis is not being felt equally and that the most vulnerable groups in Cuba are being hit hardest.
Because Cuba is the oldest country in Latin America, the The UN is prioritizing the protection of nearly 300,000 elderly people living alone, as well as more than 100,000 people with disabilities and 32,000 pregnant women.
“The humanitarian impact continues every day, despite recent attempts to deliver fuel; the situation comes on top of multiple shocks,” Mr Pichon said.
To address these needs, the UN presence in Cuba emphasized the shift to sustainable energy backup solutions.
The updated action plan includes the installation of solar energy for irrigation systems, hospitals and schools, as well as the strengthening of water pumping infrastructure to reduce dependence on the fragile national network.
Food assistance is being prepared by the World Food Program for delivery to communities in Cuba affected by Hurricane Melissa. (file)
‘Critical opportunity’
Although the UN has already mobilized $26.2 million, a significant funding gap of $68 million remains.
Mr Pichon emphasized that the UN works in close dialogue with national authorities and the private sector identifying logistics solutions that ensure the viability of relief operations.
“We believe this is a critical opportunity to mobilize resources and raise awareness of the urgency.”
