The progressive collapse of a building at Belascoaín #105 in Centro Habana leaves dozens of families in suspense, living in extremely hazardous conditions.
According to the profile of Facebook La Tijera, the already dilapidated building experienced a partial collapse in its access hallway just two days ago, and between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, its structure has worsened with further detachments.
Despite the magnitude of the danger, residents report that no government authority showed up at the site to provide concrete solutions.
One of the residents recounted, "We are still here today because last night my house and the house below completely collapsed, but it is now 6:00 PM and the government has not yet come to see what will happen. I am not moving from here until they provide a solution."
Official indifference and empty promises
The case was reported to both the Municipal Housing Directorate and the Administration Council. However, the neighbors claim that the response has been the same as always: evasions, broken promises, and an official silence that heightens their desperation.
Meanwhile, families continue to live under a roof that threatens to collapse completely at any moment.
The anguish is twofold: they fear for their children's lives as much as they fear losing what little they have in a context where the housing crisis strikes hard in the Cuban capital.
Voices of indignation
The post generated a flood of comments reflecting public outrage.
"One more proof that the dictatorship doesn't care at all about the people," said a user.
Another woman added, "And the empty hotels, at least use them: the Riviera, the Panorama… Havana is falling apart, it's horrible, destroyed, lifeless."
An emigrant ironized about the disconnect between the authorities and reality: "While the buildings are collapsing in the capital, the First Lady is visiting galleries with the dictator in Vietnam."
And a resident in Miami summed up the general sentiment: "Every time it rains, there's a landslide, poor people."
A repeated pattern
This new collapse occurs less than a month after the partial collapse that took place at the busy corner of San Rafael and Galiano, where a young Café Boulevard worker lost his life after being trapped under the rubble.
On that occasion, fire and rescue brigades responded immediately, but neighbors reported that the building had been declared uninhabitable for years without any effective measures being taken.
In both cases, the causes are the same: centuries-old structures weakened by humidity and rain, overcrowded housing, and a systematic neglect by the State, which prioritizes investment in hotels and tourist developments while thousands of families survive in ruins.
The crumbling Havana
The image of the Cuban capital as a city "frozen in time" increasingly transforms into a portrait of precariousness.
Landslides, far from being isolated incidents, are part of a pattern that occurs with alarming frequency and silently claims lives.
The housing crisis, one of the most severe in the country, is exacerbated by a lack of structural maintenance, a shortage of building materials, and a lack of political will to prioritize the basic needs of the population.
Meanwhile, families like those at Belascoaín #105 continue to live literally under the threat of being buried at any moment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Havana
Why do so many collapses happen in Havana?
The collapses in Havana are primarily due to the structural deterioration of buildings, many of which are over a century old, lack of maintenance, humidity, and leaks caused by rainfall. Government neglect and a shortage of resources exacerbate this situation, leaving families in constant risk.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the housing crisis?
Despite the seriousness of the housing crisis, the Cuban government has not implemented a comprehensive plan for maintenance, prevention, and relocation of at-risk families. The solutions offered are often inadequate, and promises of relocation are seldom fulfilled, which increases the frustration and danger for residents of these areas.
How does the housing crisis affect families in Havana?
The housing crisis severely affects families, leaving them homeless due to collapses and living under the constant threat of new breakdowns. Many families have had to spend nights outdoors, guarding their belongings, without receiving clear answers or effective solutions from the authorities.
What do citizens think about the government's management of landslides?
The general sentiment among citizens is one of indignation and frustration. Many believe that the government prioritizes investment in hotels and tourism projects, while neglecting the basic housing needs of the population. Social media has become a platform to denounce the lack of action and demand urgent solutions.
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