Ismael Ramos Suárez, a Cuban national, is currently hospitalized at Calixto García Hospital due to injuries sustained from the collapse of a building's roof in Old Havana following heavy rains last weekend in the capital of Cuba.
On its Facebook page, the Municipal Administration Council (CAM) reported that Ramos, 55, received first aid from firefighters at the scene, having suffered injuries to his leg and arm.
The collapse occurred just after 7 PM at 433 Villegas Street, between Muralla and Teniente Rey Streets. "The rest of the residents are safe," assured the governmental entity.
Four days earlier, another partial collapse had taken place on Monte Street between Águila and Ángeles Streets, also in Old Havana, leaving one person injured, according to local residents. However, the CAM issued a different account, stating, "There were no injuries or human losses."
Nonetheless, images taken by neighborhood residents contradicted the authorities' claims, as at least one person was injured, as documented in photos and videos shared online.
Additionally, social media users reported on Saturday the partial collapse of a house at the corner of Florencia and San Gabriel Streets in El Cerro, where – according to reports – no one was harmed.
Earlier in the week – on Thursday – three people were injured when a balcony fell onto the El Tablazo café, located on 1st Street, between C and D, in El Vedado.
Less than 24 hours later, another incident with fatal consequences occurred. Early Friday morning, a wall collapsed onto the roof of a house on Calzada del Cerro, between Carvajal and Patria Streets, also in El Cerro, resulting in one death and two injuries.
On the same day, the upper part of a two-story house in the Playa municipality collapsed. Fortunately, the residents managed to evacuate before the incident.
In the evening, during a blackout, a partial collapse occurred in a house in Alacranes, located in the Unión de Reyes municipality, in the Matanzas province.
As if that wasn't enough, on Saturday afternoon, the roof of the building known as "El Confite" in the Colón municipality, also in Matanzas, collapsed without causing injuries or loss of life.
These events highlight the alarming state of deterioration of housing and other structures in Cuba, due to the lack of maintenance, and underscore the government's poor management in the construction and repair of infrastructure.
Building Collapses in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
Given the frequency and severity of building collapses in Cuba, many are left with pressing questions about the underlying causes and safety measures. Here are some key questions and answers that address these critical issues.
What caused the recent building collapses in Cuba?
The primary causes of the recent building collapses in Cuba are heavy rains and a lack of adequate maintenance of aging infrastructure. These factors have led to significant structural deterioration.
How has the Cuban government responded to these incidents?
The Cuban government, through the Municipal Administration Council, has provided varying accounts of the incidents, often downplaying the severity. However, local residents have documented evidence contradicting these official statements.
Are there any safety measures in place for residents?
Safety measures appear to be insufficient, as evidenced by the frequent collapses and injuries. Residents often rely on their own vigilance and quick action to escape potential dangers.