Cuban activists have launched a social media campaign to aid families affected by the recent heavy rains in Havana.
Johanna Jolá Álvarez, an activist, announced a call to action on Facebook this Saturday following the intense rains that caused flooding in several municipalities in Havana. "The HUELLAS team (citizen initiative) is starting to collect donations for the victims in the Cuban capital," the activist reported on the social network.
In her post, she shared a list of items they are gathering: hygiene products, canned or packaged food, clothing and footwear, school supplies, toys and board games, bedding (such as sheets and towels), and medications. She emphasized that the recent rains, which led to floods and structural collapses, have caused "many Cuban families to lose the little they have."
"The worst is yet to come when the rains stop," she warned on Facebook. After the storm, it is common for more buildings to collapse due to the structural weakening caused by the floods.
This situation has left concerning images in Havana that have been shared on social media.
In a video posted in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!", a modern car is seen falling into a hole in El Cerro, Havana, during the sudden floods. "Another car just fell in there. Now no one else will fall because this man just did," a woman is heard saying in the shared clip.
Additionally, a man with water up to his neck due to the flooding in the Jesús María neighborhood in Old Havana, urged the government to step up and rescue the elderly and vulnerable people in danger. This area is filled with old buildings in a dire state of disrepair, which could collapse due to the water. From a balcony, the cry of "Patria y Vida" was heard as this Cuban demanded accountability from the authorities.
Key Questions on Havana Flood Relief Efforts
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the relief efforts and the current situation in Havana following the recent floods.
What items are being collected for the flood victims?
The items being collected include hygiene products, canned or packaged food, clothing and footwear, school supplies, toys and board games, bedding (such as sheets and towels), and medications.
Who is leading the relief efforts?
The relief efforts are being led by Johanna Jolá Álvarez and the HUELLAS team, a citizen initiative.
What are the main concerns following the floods?
The main concerns include further building collapses due to structural weakening and the need for immediate assistance for the elderly and vulnerable people in affected areas.