With furniture, appliances, and clothes piled up in a hallway in Havana, several families spent the night outdoors after the partial collapse of a building in Centro Habana. Without shelter or a clear destination, the affected residents report that authorities have warned them there is no place to relocate them.
The collapse, which occurred early Monday morning in a building on Reina Street between Manrique and San Nicolás, left about 15 families homeless and a 75-year-old woman hospitalized.
But the drama did not end with the rescue of the elderly woman; it continued afterward, when dozens of people were literally left on the streets, holding on to the little they managed to take out of their homes.
In a video published by CubaNet, these individuals are seen closely monitoring their belongings to prevent theft or filming.
Desperation translates into direct demands: "Why don't they send us to the Lincoln hotel, which is empty? I'm not going to the countryside because I will die of hunger there," questioned one of the affected individuals.
The collapse exposed the precariousness of buildings in Havana and, above all, the vulnerability of those who lose their homes overnight. Instead of finding shelter, these families ended up on the pavement as their bed, with uncertainty as their only response.
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Havana
What caused the collapse in Centro Habana that left several families homeless?
The collapse in Centro Habana was caused by the collapse of a room on the third floor that fell onto the second, leaving about 15 families homeless. This incident highlights the structural precariousness of buildings in Havana, exacerbated by lack of maintenance and adverse weather conditions.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the collapses in Havana?
The Cuban government has not implemented a comprehensive maintenance, prevention, and relocation plan for at-risk families, which has been criticized by residents. In many cases, authorities arrive late or leave without providing real alternatives to families affected by collapses.
What impact do collapses have on the daily lives of people in Havana?
The collapses in Havana have a devastating impact on the daily life of its residents, as they leave many families homeless and without relocation alternatives. Furthermore, they create a constant fear among those living in old and deteriorated buildings, heightening despair and uncertainty about their future.
How does the lack of maintenance affect buildings in Havana?
The lack of maintenance in the buildings of Havana has turned many homes into death traps, especially during the rainy season. The absence of a conservation and care plan for the structures has resulted in a series of collapses that endanger the lives of thousands of people.
What measures have been proposed to prevent future collapses in Havana?
So far, no effective measures have been implemented by the Cuban government to prevent future collapses in Havana. The community continues to demand a comprehensive plan that includes the maintenance of buildings and the relocation of families at risk, but the responses remain insufficient.
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