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A lightning bolt struck directly on the antennas of the iconic Hotel Habana Libre during a severe thunderstorm that hit Havana this Sunday, creating a spectacular image of the moment when the discharge illuminated the sky of the capital.
The information was shared on Facebook by meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor, who posted a photograph of the exact moment the lightning struck the top of the building.
In his post, the specialist highlighted the strength of the storm and reminded everyone of the importance of taking extreme precautions during electrical phenomena of this magnitude.
The phenomenon occurred during a day characterized by heavy rains and electrical activity across several municipalities in Havana, where thunder, strong winds, and temporary power outages were reported.
The meteorologist accompanied the post with a spectacular image capturing the exact moment the lightning strikes the building: "Courtesy of the enthusiast Henry Rodríguez," he noted.
Delgado reiterated the call for the public to stay sheltered during thunderstorms, as measures such as avoiding sheltering under trees or metal structures and disconnecting electrical appliances help prevent accidents.
Although no material damage or injuries have been reported, the incident garnered a lot of attention on social media due to the striking brightness of the lightning over one of the city's most iconic buildings.
Amalia Ulloa Betancourt reported that the blast was felt strongly from her home on Infanta Street: “It shook my ears. Be careful, it's really dangerous.”
From the vicinity of the hotel, Nany Almas confirmed that "the impact was strong... it was felt quite a bit."
Others opted for humor in the face of the tense moment. Ismael Brito Abreu quipped, “It’s not even good for that, the K Tower."
On his part, Andy Lage wrote in relief: “Thank goodness it didn’t land in the Felton or the Guiteras.”
Meanwhile, Rosa María Fernández warned about the danger faced by some pedestrians: “It's terrible, I saw young people walking while lightning was striking, they are reckless.”
The recent impact of lightning on the Hotel Habana Libre adds to a series of weather events that have surprised the people of Havana in recent months.
In August, a thunderstorm left stunning images in the capital, with intense lightning strikes and strong winds that caused power outages and fallen trees in several areas of Vedado and Plaza de la Revolución.
Weeks later, another similar event caused material damage to a building in Havana, the former headquarters of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television.
The lightning caused partial fires and the collapse of fragments of the structure, although no casualties were reported. Neighbors in the area described the incident as "a chilling explosion" that rekindled fears about the vulnerability of buildings to such phenomena.
Experts warn that these types of thunderstorms have become more frequent and intense during the second half of the year, coinciding with increased humidity and extreme temperatures.
In some cases, the consequences have been tragic: three people died and four were injured after a lightning strike in the eastern part of the country, which happened just hours before the phenomenon recorded over Habana Libre.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact of Lightning at Hotel Habana Libre
What happened at the Havana Libre Hotel during the thunderstorm in Havana?
A lightning strike directly hit the antennas of the Hotel Habana Libre during an intense thunderstorm in Havana. The impact created a spectacular image that quickly spread on social media.
Were there any material damages or casualties following the lightning strike at the Hotel Habana Libre?
Despite the spectacular nature of the event, no material damage or casualties have been reported as a result of the lightning strike at the Habana Libre Hotel.
What are the recommendations during thunderstorms like the one that affected Havana?
In the event of thunderstorms, it is important to seek shelter and avoid taking refuge under trees or metal structures. It is also recommended to disconnect electrical devices to prevent accidents.
What impact do thunderstorms have on Cuba's infrastructure?
Electrical storms can cause power outages and impact infrastructure such as transformers and power lines. The vulnerability of Cuba's electrical infrastructure is exacerbated by these weather phenomena.
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