The heavy rains in recent days left families with sick children in extreme poverty and housing vulnerability in several neighborhoods of the eastern capital, according to local complaints that call for urgent attention from the authorities.
According to cases presented by activist Diasniurka Salcedo and reporter Yosmany Mayeta, there are partial collapses and homes on the verge of collapse, with minors —some with neurological disorders and epilepsy— exposed to daily risks.
In El Caney, near the Sabana Ingenio tank, a family composed of Juan and Miladis and their two children with health issues lost their home due to the rainfall.
Neighbors tell activist Salcedo that, despite the seriousness of the situation, Social Welfare “has never given them anything” and no one visits them.
“Look at the conditions in which their house has been left,” states the circulated testimony. They demand immediate support to ensure shelter and safety for the minors.
Another case was reported in Altamira, where a mother of two children —one of whom has serious neurological issues and suffers from epilepsy attacks— reported a partial collapse and the imminent danger of total collapse of her home.
The complainant argues that the head of the area council is aware of the situation and has not taken action.
“My house is about to collapse and my children are in danger every day,” he warned.
The impacts are not isolated. According to Mayeta, residents mention areas such as La Loma de la Candela, the Tourist Road, and small settlements across from the Shipyard, where dozens of families are surviving on unstable land, with inaccessible routes during the rain and precarious homes that cannot withstand new climate challenges.
The situation compromises the safety of children, the sick, and the elderly.
The complainants are demanding temporary shelter, technical assessments of the structures, social assistance, and materials for minor repairs to prevent further collapses.
They also request sustained institutional presence and verifiable responses —beyond occasional visits— while solutions of greater scope are being addressed.
As of the publication of this report, there have been no statements from local authorities regarding the cited cases, nor a public plan to support the most vulnerable families following the rains. The alert remains active in the mentioned neighborhoods.
The heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Imelda hit the province of Santiago de Cuba and the rest of the eastern part of the island over the weekend, resulting in significant human and material losses.
Two men, aged 53 and 60, lost their lives after the collapse of their homes, while two other individuals remain missing in the municipalities of Contramaestre and Mella.
Governor Manuel Falcón Hernández confirmed the deaths and explained that the hydrometeorological phenomenon significantly affected several territories, causing not only human tragedies but also severe damage to infrastructure and homes.
The heavy rains caused significant flooding in Santiago de Cuba and other eastern provinces, with streets and homes submerged and communities cut off.
The phenomenon revealed, once again, the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and the fragility of the emergency solutions implemented in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Crisis and Flooding in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation of the families affected by the flooding in Santiago de Cuba?
The families affected by the heavy rains in Santiago de Cuba live in extreme poverty and vulnerability. There are partial collapses, and many homes are on the verge of collapsing, exposing sick children and the elderly to daily dangers. Authorities have not provided effective solutions, and residents are demanding temporary shelter and materials for repairs.
What has caused the flooding and landslides in Santiago de Cuba?
The intense rains associated with Tropical Storm Imelda have caused flooding and landslides in Santiago de Cuba. These rains have resulted in significant human and material losses, exacerbated by the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and the lack of adequate emergency solutions in the region.
How has the Cuban government responded to the crisis in Santiago de Cuba?
As of the closing of this report, local authorities have not issued any statements or public plans to address the crisis in Santiago de Cuba. The population has had to take matters into their own hands to clear drainage systems and prevent further damage, reflecting the lack of institutional response and the neglect the city is facing.
What measures are being requested to improve the situation of those affected by the rains?
The complainants demand temporary shelter, technical evaluations of the structures, social assistance, and materials for minimal repairs. They also request sustained institutional presence and verifiable responses to prevent further collapses and ensure the safety of the affected families.
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