Heavy rains in Havana since early morning.

Since the early hours of this Thursday, Havana has been battered by heavy rains that have caused flooding in various areas of the Cuban capital, especially in poorly drained areas and low-lying zones.

The precipitation, caused by a stationary cold front and an upper trough in the Gulf of Mexico, has kept the risk of flooding high in much of the western region of Cuba.

The Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology of Cuba reported the prevalence of clouds in the western region and the central northern coast, accompanied by showers, rainfall, and thunderstorms.

The current atmospheric conditions, resulting from a combination of meteorological factors, maintain a high probability of heavy rains in much of the country, with the West being the most affected area.

Rainfall accumulations

As of 9:30 a.m., in the southeast of Havana, areas such as San José de las Lajas, Jaruco, and Catalina de Güines have recorded over two inches of rain (50 mm) in just three hours.

In Havana, the Casablanca weather station reported a total of 42.9 mm of precipitation from the early morning until 08:00 a.m.

This scenario has resulted in the alternation of intense rains and persistent drizzles that continue to affect the capital.

In other locations in the west, significant accumulations have been recorded, such as 80.5 mm in Bahía Honda and in Artemisa.

Forecast for the next few hours

Unstable conditions will continue throughout the day, with predominant cloudiness and rains that could be numerous, especially on the northern coast of the west and in the center of the country.

These precipitation will extend even into the late hours of the night. The influence of a tropical wave south of the Cuban archipelago, along with the presence of a trough and a stationary front in the Florida Strait, have increased humidity and the favorable conditions for heavy rains across much of the country.

In light of the persistence of this weather scenario, authorities warn about the possibility of flooding in vulnerable areas and urge the population to take precautions, especially in areas prone to overflow and where drainage is inadequate.

Prevention measures issued by the authorities

In light of the persistent rains and the risk of new flooding, the First Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in Havana has issued a series of guidelines to ensure the protection of the population and the proper organization of services. These measures include:

-Specify the disaster reduction plans and ensure the established cooperation for this stage.

-Ensure the Hydrological Observation and Prevention Network, key for monitoring water levels in the affected areas.

-Check the hygiene and sanitary measures in establishments dedicated to the protection of the population and in food preparation centers.

-Constantly monitor the state of rivers and the sea in areas vulnerable to flooding, such as El Manguito (Habana del Este), El Pontón, Cuatro Caminos, Virgen del Camino, the banks of the Martín Pérez river, and the low neighborhoods of Santa Ana, in Playa. Special attention will be given to the areas of Plaza de la Revolución, from the Malecón to Línea, and the settlements near the Jaimanitas, Quibú, and Almendares rivers.

-Review the status of the generators, ensuring their availability and the existence of sufficient fuel.

Companies like ETECSA, Aguas de La Habana, Saneamiento, and Servicios Comunales must coordinate actions for the sanitation and cleaning of the flooded areas, as well as prepare work brigades to respond to any contingencies.

The Political and Ideological Working Group will ensure timely information to the population through the official media of the province, disseminating the measures to be followed at all times.

-The actions of MININT and the FAR will be specified, following the Risk Reduction Plan.

The transport authority of the capital will ensure assistance for passengers who may be stranded at terminals, especially those heading to the Island of Youth and other provinces.

-Reinforce all Management Positions to coordinate the necessary actions in response to the weather situation.

Territorial authorities will have the power to take the necessary measures according to the characteristics of each region, based on previous experiences with similar phenomena.