Cuban coastal town faces daily blackouts and energy crisis amid U.S.-Cuba tensions

The smell of sulfur hits hard in this coastal town that produces petroleum and is home to one of Cuba's largest thermoelectric plants. Yet, even as the plant cranks back to life, residents remain in the dark, surrounded by energy sources they cannot use.

As tensions deepen between Cuba and the U.S. after it attacked Venezuela and disrupted oil shipments, so have the woes of Santa Cruz del Norte.

People in this town east of Havana are plunged into darkness daily and forced to cook with coal and firewood, but not everyone can afford these alternatives.

The Cuban government remains silent on oil reserves, and uncertainty looms over potential aid from Russia or Mexico.

As the crisis deepens, residents like Olga Lilia Laurenti emphasize the need for resilience and joy despite adversity.