Heavy rains on Thursday led to severe flooding across several provinces in Cuba, with images surfacing online in recent hours. "Flooding in Nuevitas, Camagüey, due to the intense rains in that municipality," reported the Facebook account of user La Tijera. "More than 1,200 residents have been evacuated to higher ground," added the post's author.
The publication shows streets submerged in water and residents struggling to save their belongings. In Havana as well, the downpours left streets flooded, making it difficult to navigate. "Garbage bins, debris, young people playing and bathing in the floods in the Cerro municipality in Havana today," denounced another post by La Tijera on Facebook. "With the heavy rains, there's a risk of open manhole covers, which could lead to accidents or even drownings for those playing in the floodwaters," it added.
Another user, Emicenio Z Zaldívar, shared photos of cars and motorcycles submerged in water, taken in Old Havana and Central Havana. Residents commenting on the post confirmed heavy rains in the Reparto Santa Amalia, as well as in Arroyo Naranjo, Alamar, La Lisa, San Agustín, and the El Guatao area.
The Center for Weather Forecasts at the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) of Cuba warned that showers, rain, and thunderstorms could occur in the afternoon and evening across much of the country. The entity's daily report stated, "In the afternoon, it will be cloudy over much of the national territory with some showers, rain, and thunderstorms, which will be more numerous in inland and northern coastal areas of central and western provinces."
As an additional note in its statement, INSMET added that wind speeds and wave heights could increase in areas experiencing showers and thunderstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Flooding
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent flooding in Cuba due to heavy rains.
What areas in Cuba were most affected by the flooding?
The most affected areas include Nuevitas in Camagüey, as well as several neighborhoods in Havana such as Old Havana, Central Havana, Reparto Santa Amalia, Arroyo Naranjo, Alamar, La Lisa, San Agustín, and El Guatao.
How many people were evacuated due to the floods?
More than 1,200 residents were evacuated to higher ground in Nuevitas, Camagüey.
What precautions should residents take during heavy rains?
Residents should avoid playing or walking in floodwaters due to risks such as open manhole covers, which can lead to accidents or drownings.