This Tuesday, the lifeless body of Jonathan Oliva, the 13-year-old boy (not 11 as previously reported), was found after he was swept away by a drain during the flooding that occurred in Havana on Monday.
The information was revealed by journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, who did not provide any further details about the location or the circumstances of the discovery of the body.
Starting this Monday—when the tragedy occurred—Cuban Firefighters, Rescue and Salvage teams, the Police, Hydraulic Resources, and the authorities of the capital began the search for the remains of the minor.
Jonathan Oliva lived on Fábrica Street between Herrera and Santa Felicia, in the Luyanó neighborhood of the Havana municipality of Diez de Octubre.
A previous report, published by several state media today, specified that the minor was returning home from school when he found himself in the midst of a flood, and within seconds - without having time to react - he was sucked in by a drain.
The post indicated that the sewer travels along different paths, but that there is only one common outlet to Havana Bay.
According to the circulated text, the parents of the minor - identified as "Roly and Yami" - saw the tragic video that showed the moment the child was sucked in.
Parents "were able to identify him by his clothing and the silhouette of his body", thus confirming that it was Jonathan, affectionately known as "Papito".
The essayist and professor, Julio César González Pagés, mourned the death of the minor and clarified that Jonathan's father works as a physiotherapist at Miguel Enríquez Hospital (commonly known as La Benéfica).
"Yesterday, while returning from school, the rain caught him in an area that has historically flooded, such as the surroundings of Concha, Vía Blanca, and Villanueva Street, very close to the Miguel Enríquez Hospital (La Benéfica), where his father, a physiotherapist, works and who assisted in the rehabilitation of a brother after an accident," stated González Pagés, who knows the father of the deceased minor.
"His parents are people who took care of their son, and accidents can always be prevented, but there are situations that exceed any warning", noted the investigator, who concluded by sending a heartfelt message of condolences to the family of Yonathan Oliva.
According to a shocking video shared on social media - which quickly went viral - the minor was walking alone through the flooded area when, unaware of an uncovered manhole, he was swept away and disappeared.
A woman who was recording the floods in the area at that moment witnessed the dramatic event.
The unfortunate incident immediately sparked criticism on social media regarding the lack of signage and protection for open manholes, as well as the serious issues with the city's drainage infrastructure.
The accumulation of garbage that obstructs drainage systems and the deterioration of the rainwater infrastructure are recurring problems that worsen flooding in Havana.
The images from the rescue operation throughout Monday and on the morning of this Tuesday showed agents from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and rescuers working intensively to locate the remains of the minor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tragic incident of the child sucked into a drain in Havana
What happened to Jonathan Oliva in Havana?
Jonathan Oliva, a 13-year-old minor, was swept away by a drain during the flooding in Havana, resulting in his tragic death. The incident occurred while he was returning home from school, and he was carried away by the water in an area that has historically been prone to flooding.
What criticisms has the incident generated on social media?
The tragic incident has sparked a wave of criticism on social media due to the lack of signage and protection around open manholes, as well as the drainage infrastructure issues in Havana. Many users have questioned the government's management of these risks.
What was the response of the Cuban government to the incident?
The Havana government issued a statement indicating that the minor was traveling unaccompanied by an adult and against the warnings issued by the Civil Defense and the Meteorological Institute. However, this response has faced criticism from citizens who point out government negligence.
What factors contributed to the tragedy in Havana?
The tragedy was worsened by the accumulation of garbage that obstructs drainage systems and the deterioration of stormwater infrastructure in Havana. These recurring issues exacerbate conditions during floods, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
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