Related videos:
A fire destroyed the belongings of two elderly people in Santiago de Cuba, after the couple attempted to cook with charcoal inside their home.
The unfortunate news was shared on Facebook by Aris Arias Batalla, Operations and Relief Officer of Santiago de Cuba, who reported that the incident occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Céspedes Avenue, between M and L, number 66.
Juan José Hernández, 73 years old, set up a brazier for food preparation just inches from the bed. Apparently, according to Arias Batalla's hypothesis, a spark jumped onto the mattress and caused a fire.
Hernández and his partner, who live alone in the home, lost the bed and the mattress. Neither of the two elderly individuals sustained any injuries.
The photos included in the article showcase the extent of the damage in the couple's bedroom. The mattress was completely reduced to ashes and the tiny room where they set up the makeshift stove was covered in smoke.
In the comments on the post about the fire, dozens of people expressed their sorrow over the incident and wondered how the damage caused to the home of two elderly individuals, who likely live on a minimal pension, would be compensated.
"What a sadness for those grandparents, but many blessings for those firefighters, wishing a happy and blessed day to all of you," commented one person.
Another added: "How do those elderly people fare? The Cuban state loses more by not addressing these cases than by providing gas to the population to avoid using that type of cooking method for food? Think about it. Many cases like this happen every day."
In Cuba, cooking on a charcoal stove is the only alternative for many families in the face of the fuel crisis, especially the lack of gas.
The lack of electricity and liquefied gas supply has forced some people to improvise stoves in their yards and inside their homes, using firewood and charcoal, which poses a risk to health and safety.
The energy crisis in Cuba affects families' ability to cook and preserve food, due to frequent power outages and a lack of gas. This has forced people to turn to alternative methods and face high food costs, worsening their quality of life and creating widespread discontent.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Use of Coal and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why do the elderly in Cuba turn to charcoal for cooking?
Elderly people in Cuba are turning to charcoal for cooking due to the severe energy crisis facing the country. This crisis has led to prolonged blackouts and a shortage of liquefied gas, leaving many families with no alternatives for cooking. The use of charcoal is one of the few options available for many people on the island.
What are the risks of cooking with charcoal inside homes in Cuba?
Cooking with charcoal inside homes can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of fires and the buildup of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal. The use of charcoal stoves in enclosed spaces poses a significant risk to the health and safety of individuals.
How does the energy crisis affect the elderly population in Cuba?
The energy crisis severely impacts the elderly population in Cuba, as they are one of the most vulnerable groups. The lack of electricity and gas forces the elderly to resort to methods like using charcoal, which can be physically exhausting and dangerous for their health.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has started selling coal as a measure to tackle the energy crisis. However, this solution has proven insufficient, as the supply does not meet the growing demand and coal prices have reached levels that are unaffordable for many Cubans.
Filed under: