Cuba's water crisis sparks growing unrest

Officials blame crumbling infrastructure and fuel shortages, symptoms of an ongoing economic crisis. In Vedado, Havana, Rachel Trimiño, 32, says, “Leaking pipes waste clean water while our homes get none."

Outdated infrastructure lacks spare parts, and limited fuel hampers emergency water delivery. Blackouts worsen the situation, sparking isolated protests amid the summer heat. Cuba's economic struggles, worsened by the pandemic, U.S. sanctions, and mismanagement, have led to one of the worst crises since the 1959 revolution, driving mass migration.