Children bathe in a huge puddle of stagnant water in a park in Havana.

Two Cuban children were seen playing in a puddle of stagnant water in Antonio Maceo Park, on the Malecón in Havana, on October 10th.

Stagnant water, in addition to being unhealthy, can be contaminated and expose children to infections or other risks.

It is likely that the dirty water pond was formed during the floods caused at the beginning of this week by the sea's intrusion after Hurricane Milton passed through Florida.

Although the rains in the capital have been sporadic, the heavy swells forecasted by the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) flooded areas of the Malecón, creating dangerous puddles of dirty water where children immerse themselves unsupervised.

The incident recalls other similar cases in which Cuban children have put their health at risk by playing in flooded areas without intervention from parents or authorities.

This type of situation is not new in Cuba, where floods and potholes become makeshift play areas for children.

However, the lack of action by both responsible adults and the competent authorities continues to jeopardize the health of children in public spaces that should be safe.