The city of Camagüey experienced a chaotic day on Tuesday following the passage of a severe local storm that brought heavy rain, hail, and strong lightning strikes.
Meteorologist Yosmelvi Páez confirmed that the downpour caused flash floods in several areas of the provincial capital and directly affected key infrastructure such as the Amalia Simoni Hospital, which became inundated.
The images shared on social media show the hallways of the medical center turned into streams, with nurses and workers walking with their pants rolled up and lighting their way with flashlights or cell phones, apparently due to a power outage.
The scene reflects, once again, the deterioration of the Cuban healthcare system, whose facilities, lacking proper maintenance, collapse under climatic phenomena that frequently occur on the Island.
Streets, businesses, and neighborhoods submerged
The floods were not limited to the hospital.
Photographs published by Páez also show the La Caridad Shopping Center (Estrella Roja) underwater.
Independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada confirmed damages in La Norma, Saratoga, José Martí, La Zambrana, Puerto Príncipe, and General Gómez Street, among other areas of the city.
The Facebook group La Tijera reported that the overflowing of the Hatibonico River and various streams has worsened the situation, flooding streets, trapping vehicles, and forcing families to evacuate in boats from low-lying areas.
Local authorities issued alerts and declared that they are working on assisting those affected, although citizen reports highlight the magnitude of the disaster.
Trash, collapsed sewage system, and health hazard
Beyond the rain, the neighbors point to structural problems as the main cause of the extent of the damage.
Users reported clogged drains, sewer systems that hadn't been cleaned in years, and garbage accumulation in corners, all of which created a perfect recipe for water to have no outlet.
"The amount of debris that the current dragged through the streets is impressive," wrote a user.
Another young woman warned about the risk of a dengue outbreak, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal diseases following the flooding, and also reminded that lost material possessions “cannot be recovered.”
The harshest criticism came from a neighbor: "Heavy rains and electrical storms have been battering our city for several days; the saturated ground and clogged drains aren't collecting the trash that the water is carrying away, and those who run this country couldn't care less."
What happened in Camagüey reveals not only the vulnerability to natural phenomena but also the consequences of government neglect in basic services such as cleaning, drainage, and urban maintenance.
The storm has passed, but the discomfort, material losses, and fear of further flooding continue to weigh heavily on the people of Camagüey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooding in Camagüey
What caused the flooding in Camagüey?
The heavy rains from a severe local storm caused the flooding in Camagüey. Furthermore, the collapse of the drainage system, with clogged drains and the accumulation of trash, worsened the situation, preventing proper water drainage.
How did the floods affect the Amalia Simoni Hospital?
The floods inundated the Amalia Simoni Hospital, impacting its infrastructure. The hospital was partially without electricity, forcing staff to use flashlights and cell phones for light. This situation reflects the deterioration of the Cuban healthcare system in the face of climatic events.
What other areas of Camagüey were affected by the rains?
In addition to the hospital, various areas of Camagüey, such as the La Caridad Shopping Center and neighborhoods like La Norma and Saratoga, experienced flooding. The waters overflowed rivers and streams, covering streets and trapping vehicles, which necessitated the evacuation of families in low-lying areas.
What is the citizens' opinion on the government's management in response to the floods?
Citizens strongly criticize the government’s management, pointing out the neglect in basic services such as cleaning and urban maintenance. They denounce that the authorities have not taken effective measures to prevent situations like these, despite being recurrent on the island.
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