The heavy rains that fell in Havana on Friday caused severe flooding in several municipalities.
Images and videos circulating on social media reveal the extent to which the waters have risen in the lowest areas of the city.
The meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez shared photos and videos on Facebook taken on Libertad Street in the Santos Suárez neighborhood, Diez de Octubre municipality.
"As we had anticipated, the rains became heavy in areas of the west," emphasized the expert.
The independent portal El Toque also shared the situation in areas of the Arroyo Naranjo municipality on Facebook.
"We are receiving videos from Calzada de Diez de Octubre in the Cuban capital, showing the extent of the heavy rains," commented the author of the post.
Residents in the area point out that the accumulation of garbage leads to blockages in the sewage system, causing the streets to flood even when it doesn't rain heavily.
This also happened in the low-lying areas of El Vedado, where the rainfall mixed with the piles of trash in the streets, creating a lethal combination that leads to water stagnation.
At the intersection of 3rd and 12th Street, the accumulated water has reached alarming levels because debris has blocked the drainage grates, preventing proper drainage. This was reported by a resident who warned that the situation could lead to serious consequences if urgent measures are not taken.
Flooding in this area often recurs during heavy rainfall.
The accumulation of waste in the streets and overflowing garbage bins, coupled with the deterioration of the drainage infrastructure, exacerbates the impact of these climate events.
In a video shared on Facebook, a car was seen driving with water at door level.
Despite dozens of government campaigns, dirt continues to take over the capital.
A few weeks ago, on the occasion of the 505th anniversary of Havana, Díaz-Canel expressed his concern about the state of neglect, filth, and pollution that pervades the landscape.
However, a month later, Havana still displayed the chaos of garbage piles, ruins, and waste that flooded its streets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooding and Waste Management in Havana
What caused the recent floods in Havana?
The recent flooding in Havana was caused by heavy rains and the accumulation of trash, which clogged the drainage systems, such as drains and sewers. This issue is further exacerbated by the deterioration of the stormwater infrastructure and is a recurring phenomenon in the low-lying areas of the city.
How does garbage contribute to flooding in Havana?
Waste contributes to flooding by blocking drainage systems, preventing water from flowing properly during heavy rains. This situation has become a chronic issue in neighborhoods such as Diez de Octubre and El Vedado, impacting the quality of life for residents.
What actions have the Cuban authorities taken to mitigate flooding and the waste crisis?
The government has launched campaigns to clean the streets and improve the drainage system, but residents question the effectiveness of these efforts. Despite promises of improvement, the accumulation of garbage remains a significant issue, exacerbated by a lack of resources and ineffective management.
What is the impact of garbage accumulation on public health in Havana?
The accumulation of garbage poses a significant risk to public health, as it encourages the proliferation of rats and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis. The situation is critical due to inefficiencies in waste management and a lack of resources for proper collection.
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