Hurricane Rafael causes severe damage in Havana: Flooding, landslides, and mass evacuations

Hurricane Rafael has left a trail of destruction in its wake as it moved through Havana, impacting numerous urban areas of the Cuban capital.

The heavy rains and strong winds, which reached speeds of up to 175 km/h, caused severe flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, structural collapses of poorly maintained buildings, and forced the evacuation of thousands of people.

In addition, Rafael's winds uprooted large trees and tore the roofs off numerous homes and state buildings.

Flooding and mass evacuations

The intensity of the hurricane exceeded the drainage capacity of several neighborhoods, particularly in areas of Centro Habana and La Habana Vieja, which quickly became flooded.

The phenomenon has impacted thousands of residents, some of whom were evacuated in the middle of the night due to the severity of the flooding and the persistent winds.

At least 50,000 people have been moved to safe locations, according to authorities, while others remain sheltered in the more secure homes of relatives and neighbors.

Collapse in old buildings

One of the most alarming incidents occurred on Consulado Street in Centro Habana, where a building suffered a partial collapse, causing panic among the residents.

There are no reported casualties in this incident. On social media, local residents shared images and videos, calling for help and raising awareness about the vulnerability of the city's structures to such climatic events.

Disconnection from the national electrical system.

Hurricane Rafael has also left vast areas of the capital and other western provinces without electricity.

The disconnection of the national electrical system at 3 p.m. worsened the situation on the island, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

UNE assures that it is making progress in restoring the National Electric System.

The Electric Union (UNE) reported that, during the night and early morning following the passage of Rafael, the gradual recovery of the National Electric System was initiated.

Energy was supplied to the thermal power plants in Matanzas and Nuevitas to enable their start-up, and more than ten emerging generators are already operating in the central and eastern parts of the country, as well as in Pinar del Río.

However, it was noted that in the west, the recovery may be slower, as there is a need to inspect the power lines and transmission systems damaged by strong winds and rainfall, which exceeded 60 km/h in several areas.

Rafael's passage through Havana adds to a series of significant damages to infrastructure and housing in other western provinces.

Although the hurricane has weakened in its category after leaving the island, its aftermath still lingers and requires attention from both the authorities and the public.