Havana Drowns in Trash: Waste Crisis Worsens Under U.S. Blockade

The Cuban capital Havana is facing an unprecedented environmental and humanitarian crisis, with piles of garbage accumulating in the streets, leading to the spread of flies and foul odors, in one of the most severe consequences of the U.S. blockade on Cuba.

The government website Cubadebate reported that only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks are still operational due to fuel shortages, significantly slowing down waste collection.

In corners of the city, cardboard boxes and plastic bags are piling up, while residents try to sort some waste for reuse, forcing drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to navigate around the massive garbage heaps.

One resident, José Ramón Cruz, said: "Trash is everywhere, and it has been more than 10 days since the last garbage truck passed by."

The crisis is not limited to Havana, as residents of other cities on the island, which has a population of about 11million, have turned to social media to warn of the health risks posed by the accumulation of waste.

In light of this situation, the Cuban government has implemented rationing measures to ensure the continuation of basic services amid severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.

The crisis has worsened following a drop in oil supplies over the past two months, after Venezuela, Cuba's main supplier, stopped sending oil shipments since mid-December, and Mexico announced a halt to shipments after Washington threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.

For its part, a Russian newspaper reported last week that Moscow is preparing to send shipments of crude oil and fuel to the island in the near future, without specifying a timeline for implementation.

This comes amid the tightening of sanctions by U.S. President Donald Trump on Cuba, including sanctions on ships transporting oil and threats to suppliers with tariffs.

Stefan Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations, expressed deep concern over the situation, confirming that the organization's teams are working with the Cuban government to support humanitarian relief efforts.

He added that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hopes that all parties will seek dialogue and respect international law.