Strong rainfalls recorded this Tuesday have caused significant flooding in several areas of Havana, especially in the low-lying parts of the city, where poor drainage has worsened the impact of the heavy downpours.
Since the early hours of the afternoon, numerous residents began reporting on social media the accumulation of water on streets, avenues, and residential areas.
In just 40 minutes of heavy rain, more than half of Havana has been severely affected by flooding. Several residential areas are completely underwater, with homes inundated and families trapped in their houses, reported the media agency Cuba Hoy.
The images, taken at various locations in the capital, showcase streets transformed into genuine rivers, vehicles partially submerged, containers floating, and trash being swept away by the currents, demonstrating not only the collapse of the drainage system but also the fragility of the urban environment in the face of such meteorological phenomena.
The situation is even more severe in neighborhoods such as Centro Habana, Cerro, and some areas near the Malecón, where flooding reaches alarming levels.
This situation is occurring in continuity with the atmospheric phenomena reported hours earlier in other provinces of the country. The precipitation has been accompanied by thunderstorms in Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, and also in the Cuban capital.
For its part, the Meteorological Institute has warned that atmospheric instability persists in the western part of the country, therefore new showers cannot be ruled out in the coming hours.
The specialist from this institution Raydel Ruisanchez reported that the weather station in Mariel has recorded a total of 92.4 mm.
So far this year, Havana has faced repeated flooding due to heavy rains and adverse weather systems. In January, a strong swell associated with the arrival of a cold front caused flooding along the Malecón and low-lying areas of El Vedado. The waves overflowed the seaside promenade, severely impacting these areas of the capital.
A month later, torrential rains battered western Cuba, causing flooding in Havana and Pinar del Río. In the Luyanó neighborhood, a child died after being sucked into a drain during the flooding, which brought deep distress to the community.
In March, the arrival of a cold front in western Cuba brought heavy rains that caused flooding in several areas of Havana. Users reported flooded streets and difficulties in urban mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooding and Waste Management in Havana
What caused the recent floods in Havana?
The recent floods in Havana were caused by intense rains and the accumulation of garbage, which blocked the drainage systems. This issue is exacerbated by the deterioration of the rainwater infrastructure and is a recurring phenomenon in the low-lying areas of the city.
How does waste affect the drainage system in Havana?
Garbage blocks the drainage systems, such as drains and sewers, preventing water from flowing properly during rainy weather. This situation is chronic in neighborhoods like Diez de Octubre and El Vedado, adversely affecting the quality of life for residents.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to mitigate flooding?
The government has implemented campaigns to clean the streets and improve the drainage system, but the effectiveness of these actions is questioned by the residents. Despite promises of improvement, the accumulation of waste remains a significant problem, exacerbated by a lack of resources and ineffective management.
What is the impact of waste accumulation on public health in Havana?
The accumulation of garbage poses a significant risk to public health, as it fosters 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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