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A 60-year-old man died early Sunday morning in Santiago de Cuba after a house collapsed due to a landslide amid the intense rains that are affecting the eastern region.
The information was confirmed by Aris Arias Batalla, a Rescue and Salvage specialist, who identified the victim as Luis Mario Pérez Coiterio, a resident of the Veguita de Galo neighborhood.
According to the rescuer, the man was sleeping when a wall of his home collapsed due to the instability of the ground on a slope, which resulted in the first fatality linked to Tropical Storm Imelda.
Neighbors in the area found the body under the rubble and alerted the Fire Department.
Rescuers from Command 4 of Vista Alegre intervened at the scene, managing to recover the body from among the collapsed blocks.
According to testimonies from family members, the house had known vulnerabilities, and in recent days, it had been advised that Pérez stay with relatives in a safe space, but he had decided to return to his home.
His wife, an elderly woman with hearing difficulties, survived the incident and was taken to a safe location, Arias reported.
Local authorities were notified of the incident and expressed condolences to the family and neighbors.
The incident occurs amidst ongoing rainfall that has caused flooding, river swelling, and landslides in Santiago de Cuba and other eastern provinces, due to Tropical Storm Imelda.
Although not related to the tropical storm in any way, this Sunday a person died after a collapse in Old Havana.
The collapse occurred at 9 this morning in a building located at 466 Sol Street, between Egido and Villegas, reported the Council of Administration of Old Havana on Facebook.
The official statement assured that the building "had not met construction standards for several years, and there were people present illegally, who had been offered transfers to other locations on many occasions, which they did not accept in a timely manner."
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the collapse in Santiago de Cuba that resulted in the death of a man?
The collapse was caused by a landslide due to the heavy rains affecting the eastern region of Cuba. The instability of the ground on a slope led to the collapse of the wall of the house where Luis Mario Pérez Coiterio resided.
What are the conditions of the housing stock in Santiago de Cuba?
The housing stock in Santiago de Cuba is in a critical state, with many homes showing significant vulnerabilities. The lack of maintenance and deteriorating infrastructure make the buildings especially susceptible to collapses during adverse weather conditions.
What preventive measures are the authorities taking in response to landslides and collapses?
Authorities have advised the public to avoid traversing unstable slopes, riverbanks, and areas prone to landslides. However, the institutional response has been inadequate to effectively address the housing crisis and the risks associated with aging infrastructure.
How does inadequate urban infrastructure affect the population during heavy rains?
The deficiency in urban infrastructure, such as the lack of drainage and the poor condition of sewage systems, exacerbates the situation during heavy rains. This results in flooding that affects homes and communities, exposing residents to additional risks and significant material losses.
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