In a chilling account shared on social media, Cuban doctor Naila Ayrado Rivero described a terrifying ordeal she endured with her son in Havana amidst a massive blackout that plunged the nation into darkness. The combination of a lack of street lighting and increasing insecurity in the capital transformed what should have been a safe journey into a nightmarish experience.
Dr. Rivero detailed on her Facebook profile that the incident occurred on Avenida de los Presidentes (Calle G) in Vedado, as they were returning from charging their phones at a hospital due to a power outage at home. As they walked through the area, a man dressed in dark clothing and carrying a backpack suddenly appeared in their path, causing her to feel an intense fear she had never experienced before.
The stranger watched them intently, heightening her anxiety. Faced with the potential threat of an assault, she recited a Bible Psalm aloud, prompting the man to back away. "Perhaps he saw the angels by my side," she reflected in her post, underscoring the distress she felt at the time. Instinctively, she and her son moved quickly away, picking up stones from the ground in case they needed to defend themselves. "We crossed the street and continued walking almost at a run, constantly checking behind us to ensure we weren't being followed. Fortunately, nothing happened."
Dr. Rivero noted the presence of police at the intersection of Carlos III and Zapata but questioned why similar security measures weren't implemented near hospitals where doctors, patients, and their families often travel. "While I understand that intersection is dangerous due to vehicle traffic, it's equally crucial to have patrols and public lighting near Hospital Fructuoso Rodríguez," she asserted.
The absence of street lighting is not a new issue in the area. Even before the widespread blackout, Calle G often remained in darkness due to unlit streetlights. "Those hollow-trunk trees can provide hiding spots for anyone looking to ambush unsuspecting passersby. There are no bulbs in the streetlights, and there's never a police officer nearby," she emphasized.
Beyond her personal ordeal, Rivero warned that this is a grim reality affecting hundreds of Havana residents, particularly during the current energy crisis. "This area serves as an access point to several hospitals, and those of us who pass through are mostly healthcare workers, patients, and companions. We cannot remain at the mercy of darkness and insecurity," she pleaded in her post.
Furthermore, she called on authorities to take urgent security measures. "We can't keep making it easy for criminals to carry out their misdeeds. At the very least, they should have to work hard to find their prey," she expressed with frustration.
Impact of Blackouts on Security in Havana
What caused the blackout in Havana?
The blackout in Havana was part of a massive power outage affecting the entire nation, likely due to the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba.
How do blackouts affect security in urban areas like Havana?
Blackouts exacerbate security issues by plunging streets into darkness, making it easier for criminal activities to occur undetected and leaving residents feeling unsafe.
What measures can improve safety during blackouts?
Improving safety during blackouts can involve ensuring adequate street lighting, increasing police patrols, and installing emergency backup systems to maintain visibility in critical areas.