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The state media has released devastating images of the fall of a palm tree on a woman's house during a severe local storm in Mantua, Pinar del Río, on Friday afternoon.
The storm, which had wind gusts of over 90 km/h, caused a tree to fall onto the house of an unidentified Cuban woman, who sustained six stitches on her head from the impact of a downspout.
Photos shared by the local outlet Radio Guamá show the palm tree in the middle of the woman's house. The tree knocked down the roof and the home was left exposed.
The storm occurred between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM this Friday and impacted the settlements of Antúnez and the town of Mantua.
Winds were accompanied by lightning strikes and intense, short-duration rain.
So far, authorities have reported damage to roofs of homes, fallen trees, damage to banana plantations and impacts on the electrical infrastructure, without specifying the number of houses and services affected.
"There was strong electrical activity, strong winds, and fallen trees. In this house, there was a lady who, due to a palm tree falling on her house, sustained a head injury requiring six stitches. Everyone is fine, just the woman with the head injury, but she is doing well too," wrote the internet user Yosmelvi Páez Cornell, from the national group "Weather Enthusiasts."
Cuban meteorologists had warned that on Friday afternoon there would be showers, rains, and thunderstorms, especially in the Western and Eastern regions.
The strong daytime heating, along with local conditions and the passage of a tropical wave, as well as favorable factors in the upper levels of the atmosphere, contributed to this situation, explained Raudel Ruisánchez.
In addition to Pinar del Río, storm areas formed from Güira de Melena to Artemisa, also covering Alquízar and San Antonio de los Baños.
Frequently asked questions about the storm in Mantua, Pinar del Río
What caused the palm tree to fall on the house in Mantua, Pinar del Río?
The fall of the palm was caused by a severe local storm that hit the area with gusts of wind exceeding 90 km/h. This phenomenon also included heavy rainfall and lightning strikes, impacting various settlements in the region.
What were the consequences of the storm in Mantua?
The storm caused damage to roofs of houses, toppled trees, and damage to banana plantations, in addition to interrupting electricity service in the area. The fall of a palm tree onto a house left one woman injured, although she is stable.
What measures have been taken to prevent storm damage in Cuba?
The Cuban meteorological authorities advise the public to stay informed and take precautions during thunderstorms and hailstorms. It is recommended to avoid open areas and to stay alert for weather updates to minimize risks.
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