A woman was injured on the afternoon of this Friday after a palm tree fell on the roof of her house during a severe storm in the municipality of Mantua, Pinar del Río.
According to the information published by Yosmelvi Páez Cornell from the national group "Aficionados a la meteorología," the storm occurred between 3:30 and 3:40 pm on Friday. The strength of the winds, with gusts exceeding 90 km/h, caused the fall of a tree onto the house of an unidentified Cuban woman.
The woman, who was hit by a downspout from the roof after the palm tree fell, suffered a head injury and received six stitches.
"Due to the strength of the wind, there was no hail, but there was strong electrical activity, strong winds, and fallen trees. In this house, there was a woman who, as a result of a palm tree falling onto her house, suffered a head injury requiring six stitches from a gutter. Everyone is fine, only the woman has the head injury, but she is also doing well," the internet user wrote.
Cuban meteorologists had warned that this afternoon there would be showers, rain, and thunderstorms, especially in the Western and Eastern regions.
The intense daytime warming, along with local conditions and the passage of a tropical wave, as well as favorable factors at high atmospheric levels, would contribute to this situation, explained Raudel Ruisánchez.
In addition to Pinar del Río, areas of storms have formed from Güira de Melena to Artemisa, also including Alquízar and San Antonio de los Baños.
Several Cuban provinces have experienced severe local storms this month, including hail, strong winds, and significant electrical activity.
These phenomena have affected regions such as Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, Artemisa, and Villa Clara, causing significant material damage.
Frequently asked questions about severe storms in Pinar del Río and other provinces of Cuba
What damage did the severe storm cause in Mantua, Pinar del Río?
The severe storm caused a palm tree to fall on a house, injuring a woman in the head. Additionally, it brought strong winds with gusts of over 90 km/h and intense electrical activity, although there were no reports of hail. This type of phenomenon is common in the region, causing significant material damage in other nearby localities.
Why do severe storms occur in Cuba during this time of year?
Severe storms in Cuba during this time are due to the combination of intense daytime heat, high humidity, and local factors, enhanced by atmospheric phenomena such as troughs and tropical waves. These elements create favorable conditions for the formation of storms with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and electrical activity. The situation is worsened by the lack of maintenance and infrastructure preparedness in the country.
What precautionary measures should residents take in the face of severe storms?
During severe storms, it is crucial to stay informed through official channels and avoid open areas to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. It is recommended to secure loose objects around homes, stay indoors, and have a family emergency plan. Cuban meteorological authorities reiterate the need to take extra precautions due to the possibility of severe phenomena such as strong winds and hail.
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