A collapse that occurred Thursday afternoon in Centro Habana may have left several people trapped.
The incident occurred at the entrance of the central San Rafael boulevard, at the building located on the corner of San Rafael and Galeano streets.
The incident was reported on Facebook by the user Punisherl Libre.
According to the information, there is currently one deceased, but it is believed that there are more people trapped
A photo shared on Facebook by journalist Mario J. Pentón shows firefighters and police at the scene.
The street has been cordoned off from pedestrians.
This collapse occurs less than a day after the fall of two balconies in a building located just a few blocks from the boulevard, at 204 Laguna Street, between Lealtad and Perseverancia, in the San Leopoldo neighborhood.
The collapse occurred when the balcony on the second floor gave way and took the first floor balcony with it. Fortunately, there were no people underneath at the time, which prevented a tragedy.
These are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a wave of recent collapses that highlight the chronic housing crisis and official neglect.
In recent days, the capital has witnessed collapses in municipalities such as Cerro, Regla, and other areas of Central Havana, with some resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities.
Last Tuesday, at Castillo 216, Cerro municipality, a partial collapse left two people hospitalized, one of whom is in serious condition.
On Monday, in Regla, a nine-year-old girl was trapped under the rubble with her mother and several neighbors, with firefighters failing to respond to the emergency despite calls for help.
Just a few hours earlier, a five-month-old baby died when a wall of their house collapsed and the rainwater swept them from their mother's arms.
In another case reported recently in Centro Habana, a building declared "uninhabitable and irreparable" years ago on Mercado Street 79 suffered the collapse of a wall, trapping an elderly man and his 10-year-old son.
Officials from the Housing Directorate limited themselves to saying that residents must tear down the wall on their own, claiming that the entity "does not have the means" to do so.
The Cuban government continues to fail to implement a comprehensive plan for maintenance, prevention, and the relocation of at-risk families.
Every rainy season, the streets of Havana turn into high-risk areas, where humidity, leaks, and structural deterioration make many homes death traps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Havana
What is the current situation of the collapses in Havana?
The situation of collapses in Havana is critical, with numerous building collapses reported due to severe structural deterioration. This has resulted in several deaths and injuries, and it is a recurring problem exacerbated by the lack of maintenance and attention from the government.
What factors contribute to collapses in Havana?
The collapses in Havana are the result of several factors, including the aging of structures, lack of maintenance, disinvestment in the housing stock, and the government's focus on tourism projects instead of housing. Heavy rains and the economic crisis also exacerbate the situation.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address this issue?
So far, the measures taken by the Cuban government have been insufficient to address the crisis of collapses in Havana. The attention and repair of deteriorated housing have not been prioritized, and investments have primarily focused on the tourism sector. As a result, many families continue to live in dangerous conditions.
How does the situation of the collapses affect the population of Havana?
The population of Havana faces a constant risk due to collapses, living with the fear that their homes will collapse. This not only endangers lives but also increases insecurity and frustration among residents, who often feel that their needs are not being addressed by the government.
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