The intense rains that struck Cuba's capital on Thursday caused part of a building to collapse in Old Havana, according to reports on social media. The Facebook page La Tijera noted that the structure, located at Esperanza number 417, between Carmen and Figuras streets, had been at risk of collapse for years.
"Fortunately, the residents had been evacuated beforehand, but a van belonging to the State-owned Ministry of Transport company, Transcargo, sustained damage to its windshield and front," the report stated. It also mentioned that neighbors and the driver called the firefighters, "but they were told that until the municipal government authorities arrive at the scene and give the order, they cannot respond."
Building Collapse in Old Havana: Key Questions and Answers
In light of the recent building collapse in Old Havana, here are some crucial questions and answers to provide more insight into the incident and its broader implications.
What caused the building to collapse in Old Havana?
The building collapse was triggered by intense rains that hit Havana, exacerbating the already precarious state of the structure.
Were there any casualties in the collapse?
Fortunately, there were no casualties as the residents had been evacuated prior to the collapse.
What damages were reported due to the collapse?
A Transcargo van sustained damage to its windshield and front part, but no injuries were reported.
Why did the firefighters delay their response?
The firefighters stated they could not respond until the municipal government authorities arrived at the scene and issued the order to intervene.