The roof of the building known as "El Confite" in the municipality of Colón, Matanzas, collapsed this Saturday afternoon without causing any injuries or loss of life, according to official reports.
The ruins of this structure are located at the intersection of Martí and Gonzalo de Quesada streets in the city of Colón, said the state-run broadcaster Radio Llanura de Colón, which added that the collapse occurred around two in the afternoon.
The same source mentioned that "the building had been out of use for some time due to its deteriorating condition, which may have been exacerbated by the humidity from recent rains."
This collapse adds to the series of similar incidents in the Cuban capital, some of which have unfortunately resulted in fatalities and injuries. On Friday afternoon, the upper part of a two-story house also collapsed, thankfully without causing any injuries.
According to a video circulating on social media, the building cracked on one side, and the crack widened until the upper structure finally gave way.
These incidents not only highlight the vulnerability of residential structures but also underscore the authorities' ineffectiveness in ensuring the safety of citizens.
Building Safety Concerns in Cuba
As building collapses become more frequent in Cuba, questions about the safety and maintenance of structures have come to the forefront. Here are some frequently asked questions on the matter:
Why are building collapses becoming more frequent in Cuba?
Many buildings in Cuba suffer from poor maintenance and deteriorating conditions, often exacerbated by weather conditions such as humidity and rain.
What measures are authorities taking to ensure building safety?
Despite some efforts, many criticize the authorities for their ineffectiveness in maintaining and inspecting buildings to ensure the safety of residents.
Were there any injuries reported in the recent collapses?
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported in the collapse of "El Confite" or the recent two-story house incident.
What is the government's response to these incidents?
The government's responses have been criticized as insufficient and lacking in effective measures to prevent future collapses and ensure the safety of existing structures.