Related videos:
A new collapse shook Havana again early this Monday, when part of a building located on Reina Street, between Manrique and San Nicolás, fell, leaving a 75-year-old woman hospitalized and about 50 people homeless, out in the open, waiting for a solution from the authorities.
The collapse occurred around 6:30 a.m., when a room on the third floor gave way and fell onto the second, according to neighbors who reported the incident to CubaNet, the outlet that exclusively covered the event. About 15 families lived in the building, and now they remain on the street, in front of the rubble, without any official response regarding their immediate future.
The elderly woman, identified as Magaly, was trapped under the debris of the collapsed roof. She was rescued by neighbors and taken to the hospital. “She was in her room and suddenly everything came crashing down. It was a miracle that they got her out alive,” said a resident of the area.
The testimonies collected agree that the authorities from the Centro Habana municipality briefly visited the site but left without providing any solutions.
"Where are they going to send us, to the countryside? I'm not going to the countryside because I’ll die of hunger. Why don’t they send us to the Lincoln Hotel, which is vacant?" questioned another of the older neighbors, desperate over the uncertainty.
In recent weeks, Havana has witnessed several collapses that highlight the seriousness of the housing crisis. Just days ago, a worker at Café Boulevard died when part of the ceiling of the establishment collapsed at the busy intersection of San Rafael and Galiano, while in the Cerro municipality two people were injured, one of them seriously, following the partial collapse of a building on Castillo Street.
In July, three people, including a girl, lost their lives in Old Havana after being trapped in the rubble of a building on Monte Street, and in May another collapse in that same area injured two residents, who had been reporting the poor condition of the building for years without receiving any response.
Each episode takes place in old homes that collapse, families who lose everything in a matter of seconds, and authorities who arrive late or leave without providing alternatives.
In a city where the lack of maintenance has turned homes into a threat, the people of Havana continue to live under the constant fear that the walls will collapse on them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Havana
What happened in the recent collapse in Centro Habana?
A building located on Reina Street collapsed, leaving a 75-year-old woman hospitalized and about 50 people without shelter. The collapse occurred when a room on the third floor gave way and fell onto the second.
What is the current situation of the families affected by the collapses in Havana?
The affected families remain in the street without an official response regarding their future. The authorities have not provided immediate solutions, and the affected neighbors have received only empty promises of relocation.
What factors are contributing to the housing crisis in Havana?
The lack of maintenance and official neglect are the main factors contributing to the housing crisis. Old buildings without repairs are collapsing, leaving families in constant danger.
How does the Cuban government respond to the collapses in Havana?
The Cuban government has not implemented a comprehensive maintenance and relocation plan for at-risk families. Authorities often arrive late or leave without providing effective alternatives, worsening the housing crisis.
What impact do collapses have on the population of Havana?
Landslides leave families homeless and increase fear and insecurity among residents of Havana. The inadequate response from authorities exacerbates the situation, leaving people in critical living conditions.
Filed under: