Southwest Florida man fears for family amid Cuba's massive power outage

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK)— A massive blackout across Cuba has left millions without power and families desperate for answers. For many in Southwest Florida, this isn't just a headline; it's home.

WINK News spoke with a local man who says his family is living through what he calls unimaginable conditions.

Frank Fernandez is waiting to hear from his family in Cuba after a total grid collapse plunged the country into one of its worst crises in years. This comes on top of the economic hardships the country is facing.

"Is a lack of power for so many days that's unheard of," Fernandez said.

It could be some time before the power comes on. Cuban officials say the communications sector is priority, but communication is also what Fernandez needs.

"It's a constant concern for our family, just wondering how they're doing," Fernandez said. "Again, there's ways to communicate with them now, but when there's no power to charge your devices."

The Associated Press reports this is now the third major blackout in just four months, driven by a crumbling power grid and a severe fuel shortage. People in Cuba say what little they have doesn't last.

Meals spoil, medical care is delayed and daily life becomes a fight to get through the day. Fernandez said his family is used to struggling, but this is different.

"They're used to getting rations," Fernandez said. "They're used to not having, you know, just basic necessities, at least available and ready for it to them."

And still, in the middle of the darkness, Fernandez said the Cuban people do have hope. He told WINK News this country has been nothing but a blessing to his family, and to have the opportunity for his family in Cuba to have the same is a big deal.

Experts warn without major changes, this could get worse. For families here, it's a waiting game, hoping the next time they hear from their loved ones, they're safe.