# Cuba water scarcity and energy crisis convergence

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-water-scarcity-crisis
> Updated: 2026-11-06T15:27:03.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 4.

Cuba continues to face severe water shortages affecting approximately 2.6 to 2.7 million people. The crisis is driven by aging infrastructure and a critical energy deficit, with a reported generation gap of up to 2,380 megawatts. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has described the water crisis as “real, grave and complex,” citing structural issues and the economic blockade.

Official data indicates that 66 percent of service interruptions are caused by electrical issues, while 25 percent stem from broken pumping equipment. The failure of major thermoelectric plants, including Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Antonio Guiteras, and Máximo Gómez, has led to prolonged blackouts, sometimes exceeding 48 hours in interior provinces, which paralyzes water pumping stations. In Havana, approximately 536,000 people have been affected by these disruptions.

The shortage has expanded its impact to Camagüey, where residents rely on buckets, pots, and large tanks for basic hygiene and cooking. In Havana and other regions, citizens endure long queues for water trucks or rely on rainwater and expensive private tankers.

The situation has triggered a public health emergency. According to Pan American Health Organization data, power outages have disrupted the cold chain for vaccines and medicines. There are also reported increases in mortality rates, with maternal mortality reaching 44.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025, and infant mortality rising to 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. To address these failures, the government is implementing a program focused on recovering water sources, managing an energy transition, and strengthening institutional management, including the installation of solar panels at pumping stations in Santiago de Cuba.

## Claims

- President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the water crisis as real, grave, and complex. (reported by 2 sources)
- Over 2.6 million Cubans suffered water supply interruptions at the start of November. (reported by 2 sources)
- 66% of water supply disruptions are caused by electrical problems. (reported by 2 sources)
- The electricity deficit reached 2,380 megawatts. (reported by 1 source)
- Three main thermoelectric plants, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Antonio Guiteras, and Máximo Gómez, are out of service. (reported by 1 source)
- Maternal mortality reached 44.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025. (reported by 1 source)
- Infant mortality increased to 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. (reported by 1 source)
- Some residents in Havana have gone more than six months without receiving water. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-06: Cuba faces severe energy and water crisis

Cuba faces a severe crisis as a 2,380 MW electricity deficit and failing thermoelectric plants trigger widespread water shortages and a growing health emergency.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-scarcity-crisis-intensifies-in-cuba

### 2026-11-04: Cuba faces severe water shortages due to infrastructure and energy crisis

President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted Cuba faces a severe water crisis affecting 2.6 million people due to aging infrastructure, energy shortages, and economic sanctions.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-addresses-water-supply-crisis-and-institutional-management

### 2026-10-30: Water shortages impact residents in Camagüey, Cuba

Severe water shortages in Camagüey and other parts of Cuba are forcing residents to use makeshift containers and wait in long lines for water deliveries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-shortages-impact-residents-in-camagey-cuba

### 2026-10-24: Cuba water scarcity forces residents to drill private wells

Water scarcity and power outages in Cuba are forcing citizens and businesses to drill private wells as millions face domestic water shortages.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-water-scarcity-forces-residents-to-drill-private-wells

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Cite as: Cuba water scarcity and energy crisis convergence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-water-scarcity-crisis