Part of a house collapses in Camagüey: "Cuba is falling apart"

Although there were no casualties to regret, the incident once again highlights the serious situation of the housing stock in Cuba.

Landslide in CamagüeyPhoto © Facebook/OPimentel Pérez

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A new collapse shook the city of Camagüey, after recent rains caused the collapse of a house located on Horca Street, in the heart of the urban center, which has generated a wave of reactions and concern.

The information was shared on Facebook by journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, who shared images and the initial report of the incident: “A house collapse on Horca Street in the city of Camagüey, caused by the rain. Fortunately, the resident was unharmed and is out of danger.”

Facebook Post/José Luis Tan Estrada

A scene that repeats itself

Although there were no casualties to mourn, the incident once again highlights the serious situation of Cuba's housing stock, especially in historic areas like Camagüey, where many buildings are over a century old and lack structural maintenance.

In the post, the comment "Cuba is falling apart" reflects the popular frustration with the progressive decline in living conditions and institutional inaction in the face of these events, which occur frequently in Havana, Santiago, and other cities across the country.

The rains, the immediate trigger

The heavy rainfall over the past few days has worsened the condition of roofs, walls, and weakened structures. Experts warn that with the arrival of the cyclone season, the risk of new collapses multiplies, especially in multi-family homes and central areas without reinforcement.

In February, the Cuban who was injured by the collapse of a balcony in Camagüey passed away due to the injuries caused by debris falling on his head.

The tragic outcome could have been avoided by the authorities had they heeded the complaints from neighbors who warned about the poor condition of the building. Since last year, Cuban social media users have been alerting about the risk of collapse that the structure faced.

Frequently Asked Questions about Landslides in Cuba

What caused the collapse in Camagüey?

The collapse in Camagüey was caused by recent rains, which further weakened the structure of a century-old house in poor condition. Such incidents are common due to the deterioration of the housing stock in Cuba and the lack of maintenance.

How does housing deterioration affect Cuban citizens?

The housing deterioration in Cuba threatens the safety of citizens, as many buildings are at risk of collapse. The lack of investment and maintenance has turned the right to safe housing into a national emergency, with 35% of homes in poor condition according to official data, although independent reports suggest that the situation is even more severe.

What measures have the Cuban authorities taken in response to the collapses?

The Cuban authorities have been criticized for their inaction regarding collapses and housing deterioration. Although construction plans and a new Housing Law have been announced, the proposed solutions, such as the construction of adobe houses, have faced debate and criticism from the public due to their ineffectiveness.

What is the situation of the housing stock in Cuba?

The housing stock in Cuba is in critical condition, with over 37% of homes in fair or poor condition. The lack of resources, planning, and maintenance has resulted in widespread deterioration, endangering the lives of citizens due to the constant risk of collapses.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.