A severe local storm recorded in the early hours of the night this Friday caused at least three landslides and damage to power lines due to fallen poles in the city of Cárdenas, Matanzas.
According to reports disseminated by the government-aligned channel Telebandera as well as by social media posts, the phenomenon was characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and concentrated electrical discharges occurring over a relatively short period.
According to the information available so far, the three confirmed landslides were located in the Fundición neighborhood.
This was accompanied by disruptions in the electrical grid, with damage to the lines and fallen poles, although the total extent of these damages and the number of affected customers have not yet been determined.
The channel Telebandera reported that the authorities were assessing the damage caused by the severe local storm. In its report, it described the event as intense and brief, featuring a combination of strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and electrical activity.
For his part, Christian Arbolaez posted on Facebook that Cárdenas experienced "a strong local storm" and reiterated the preliminary toll of three collapses in Fundición and damages to the electrical lines.
His message added an additional element of concern: the cross of a church was struck by lightning again.
According to what he wrote, months ago Father Orlando had warned about the risk posed by that structure, but the authorities had not organized to remove it.
Arbolaez warned that the situation could lead to "a serious accident" if no action is taken.
That post also questioned the lack of timely alerts to the population.
According to the text, lack of communication prevents many people from preparing for weather events of this nature and causes them to be caught off guard by the phenomenon, while the local press reports after the damage has occurred.
The author of the message believed it would be preferable to give a warning in advance to avoid accidents.
As of the closure of the information contained in the document, there were no reports of injuries, evacuees, or fatalities.
There were also no details provided about damages to specific homes, state facilities, roads, or services beyond the three collapses in Fundición and the impact on the electric grid.
Filed under: