The heavy rains once again caused flooding in areas of Havana on Wednesday, on another day when entire neighborhoods were submerged and currents swept the accumulated trash through the streets due to the poor drainage of the capital's sewage system.
Images shared by users on social media and independent press outlets convey better than words the extent of the impact of the rains and storms in municipalities such as Centro Habana, La Habana Vieja, Cerro, and Plaza.
The news portal CubaNet published a video showing the conditions in which the Cuatro Caminos market area and the surrounding regions were on the night of this Wednesday.
"Completely underwater: that was Cuatro Caminos in Havana last night, after several days of rain exacerbated by drainage issues," it was noted on the social media platform X.
In an area of Vedado, near the Malecón, the waters formed an immense lagoon that covered the doorways and reached the doors of homes and buildings, while the containers - now empty of garbage - floated adrift, as shown in the images captured by Mildrey Ruiz.
The meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez warned in a post on his Facebook profile about the rain and thunderstorms that occurred on Wednesday night in the western region.
"At this moment, a large area of rain and thunderstorms is observed over the western part of the country and the Isle of Youth. In recent hours, heavy and intense rainfall has been recorded in areas of this region," it was reported.
The expert recommended taking extra precautions, as the weather situation could persist for the next few hours, increasing the “risk of sudden flooding in low-lying areas with poor drainage.”
For this Thursday, the Institute of Meteorology of Cuba (Insmet) forecasted cloud cover nationwide in the afternoon, with some showers, rain, and thunderstorms, which would be considerable in the western half. According to the report, the rainfall is expected to continue into the night and could be heavy in some areas.
In a weather map shared on its Facebook page, Insmet highlighted areas in the western provinces where heavy rainfall was being recorded on Thursday afternoon.
The heavy rains recorded in Havana on Tuesday afternoon and evening caused sudden flooding, turning several streets into rivers filled with debris, hindering the movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
Residents in neighborhoods of the Centro Habana and Diez de Octubre municipalities shared images and testimonies on social media about the accumulation of waste carried by the currents, highlighting the insufficient drainage capacity of the urban sanitation networks during intense rain episodes.
The climatic phenomenon was accompanied by a general blackout in the capital, yet another in the series of prolonged and systematic power outages that have impacted Cuba throughout 2025, with severe consequences for the daily lives of Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooding in Havana
Why are there so many floods in Havana?
Flooding in Havana is mainly caused by the inadequate drainage system, which is unable to handle the heavy rains and the accumulation of garbage in the streets. Heavy rains quickly turn the streets into rivers of water and waste, worsening the situation.
Which areas of Havana are most affected by flooding?
The areas most affected by flooding in Havana include Centro Habana, Cerro, and Plaza, particularly in regions close to the Malecón. These locations are especially vulnerable due to their positioning in low-lying areas and issues with rainfall drainage.
What measures are being taken to prevent future flooding in Havana?
Despite the constant complaints and calls to improve the sewer system, no concrete initiatives have been reported by Cuban authorities to address the flooding issue. Residents have pointed out the lack of maintenance and cleaning of the drains as a critical problem that requires urgent attention.
How do floods affect daily life in Havana?
The floods in Havana seriously impact the mobility of citizens, block streets, inundate homes, and cause interruptions in the power supply. These events also pose a risk to safety, especially in areas with deteriorated infrastructure.
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