The recovery of the body of a minor who was sucked into a drain during the floods in Havana continued on the afternoon of this Monday, after the unfortunate incident circulated on social media and the government was compelled to confirm it.
The tragic incident occurred at the intersection of Vía Blanca and 10 de Octubre, one of the areas most affected by the recent heavy rains.
According to a video posted on social media, the boy, estimated to be between 10 and 13 years old, was walking alone through the when, not noticing an uncovered manhole, he was swept away and disappeared.
The official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported on Facebook that "efforts continue to recover the body of the child who was sucked in by a drain during the floods this afternoon. So far, there is no confirmed identity of the minor."
The images from the rescue operation show agents from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), rescuers, and citizens gathered around an open manhole in the middle of a public street.
In one of the photographs, it can be seen how they inspect the drainage, while in another, there is a panoramic view of the incident site with concerned neighbors and passersby.
A third image reveals a close-up of the open sewer, where a rope tied to a stone can be seen, possibly used as part of the search equipment.
The Government of Havana issued a statement detailing that the minor was traveling unaccompanied by an adult and in violation of warnings issued by the Civil Defense and the Institute of Meteorology regarding the dangers of moving through flooded areas.
Upon receiving the emergency call, rescue operations were immediately initiated with personnel from MININT specialized in this type of contingency.
This unfortunate incident has sparked criticism on social media regarding the lack of signage and protection around open manholes, as well as the management of the city's drainage infrastructure.
The accumulation of garbage that obstructs drainage systems and the deterioration of the rainwater infrastructure are recurring problems that exacerbate flooding in Havana.
The journalist from Martí Noticias, Mario J. Pentón, described the situation as a “shame” and questioned why the government implies that the responsibility lies with the parents for not accompanying the minor, instead of acknowledging official negligence.
"A minor was killed after being sucked into an uncovered manhole on a street flooded due to lack of maintenance, and the propaganda machinery of the Cuban regime is set in motion," he reported on his social media.
Moreover, he criticized the government for turning the very leaders whose negligence he claims caused the tragedy into "heroes".
"That's how communism operates: covering up its failure with lies," he stated.
Update:
Frequently Asked Questions about the tragic incident in Havana and infrastructure management
What happened to the minor who was sucked into a drain in Havana?
A minor was sucked into an uncovered drain during the floods in Havana, specifically at the intersection of Vía Blanca and 10 de Octubre. The child, who was walking alone in the flooded area, did not notice the open manhole and was swept away by the current. Authorities are continuing rescue efforts to recover his body.
What criticism has the Cuban government received following this incident?
The Cuban government has faced criticism for the lack of signage and protection around open manholes, as well as for the poor management of drainage infrastructure in the city. The accumulation of garbage and the deterioration of stormwater infrastructure are recurring problems that worsen flooding in Havana, and citizens on social media have questioned the regime's responsibility in these types of tragedies.
How do poor infrastructure conditions contribute to flooding in Havana?
Poor infrastructure conditions, such as clogged drains due to garbage, significantly contribute to flooding in Havana. The lack of maintenance and accumulation of waste block drainage systems, preventing water from flowing properly during heavy rains, which increases the risk of tragic incidents like the one involving the child sucked into a drain.
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