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A partial collapse occurred on Tuesday night in a building located at Castillo 216, between Omoa and San Ramón, in the Cerro municipality of Havana, leaving two people hospitalized, one of them in serious condition.
According to CubaNet, one of the injured was identified as Leonardo García Medina, who is in stable condition. His father confirmed that the other injured person is reported to be in serious condition.
According to testimonies gathered by the independent media, which was present at the scene, the collapse occurred as a result of the heavy rains that have affected the Cuban capital in recent days, and that one day prior also led to the death of a baby in the same Havana neighborhood.
Residents of the area indicated that the collapse on Tuesday was sudden and, fortunately, there were no other people in the affected zone at the time of the incident.
Landslides are a frequent problem in Havana, especially in municipalities with a high number of old and deteriorated buildings such as El Cerro, Centro Habana, and La Habana Vieja. Each rainy season, the combination of humidity, leaks, and lack of maintenance leads to collapses that leave victims and families homeless.
The news sparked outrage on digital platforms, where users held the Cuban government accountable for the neglect of housing infrastructure.
"And in the meantime, the birthday of the one responsible for all this disaster is being celebrated," wrote a user, referring to the official celebrations on August 13 for the 99th anniversary of the birth of dictator Fidel Castro.
Another neighbor commented that "Cuba looks like a bombed country, amid rubble and garbage. It can’t take it anymore."
On Monday night, another collapse that occurred in the municipality of Regla, Havana, left a nine-year-old girl trapped under the debris and caused injuries to several people, including two elderly individuals with heart problems.
That same night, in El Cerro, a baby just five months old died during the heavy rains that battered the capital.
The minor drowned after water violently flooded his home following the collapse of a wall, according to multiple sources on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Havana
What caused the recent collapse at Cerro, Havana?
The collapse at Cerro was caused by the intense rains that have impacted Havana in recent days. These downpours have weakened the already deteriorated structures of many old buildings in the city, resulting in collapses such as the one that occurred at Castillo 216. The lack of maintenance and the neglect by the authorities exacerbate this situation, leading to frequent tragedies in the Cuban capital.
How many people were injured in the Cerro collapse?
Two people were injured in the landslide at the Cerro, one of them in serious condition. The injured are Leonardo García Medina, who is stable, and another person whose condition is more critical. Both were hospitalized after the incident.
How does the structural deterioration of homes affect the residents of Havana?
The structural deterioration of homes in Havana poses a serious risk to its residents, especially during the rainy season. Collapses are common due to a lack of maintenance and neglect by the authorities, leaving many families living in dangerous conditions and exposed to potentially life-threatening situations, such as the recent case of the baby who died after a collapse during the rains.
What responsibility does the Cuban government have in the collapses in Havana?
The Cuban government is often held responsible for the neglect of housing infrastructure in Havana. The lack of preventive measures and proper maintenance has led to significant deterioration of the buildings, resulting in collapses that could have been avoided. Criticism is focused on the government's inaction in the face of the dangers facing residents and the priority given to other projects, such as the construction of hotels, instead of improving the living conditions of its citizens.
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