The Saratoga neighborhood in Camagüey experienced a severe sewer system failure this past Saturday afternoon following a heavy downpour, which left residents wading through knee-deep water.
A passerby captured the scene, noting that the flooding was exacerbated by the neglected storm drains and the poor condition of the streets. This area already suffers from frequent power outages lasting up to 18 hours daily, according to the news portal La Hora de Cuba on its Facebook page.
Saratoga is one of the most rundown neighborhoods, with a history of significant protests during the July 11, 2021 demonstrations. It stands as a testament to the crisis in Camagüey, caused by energy inefficiencies and the neglect of essential infrastructure, the cited source reported.
La Hora de Cuba shared images on social media showing the extent of the flooding and the struggles faced by the community residents, who found themselves submerged in murky brown water.
Recurring Infrastructure Issues Across Cuba
The dire state of sewer systems in Cuban cities, which are rarely cleaned more than once a year before the hurricane season, often leads to collapses during heavy rains.
For instance, in August, intense rains in Jobabo, Las Tunas, caused flooding that affected homes and state institutions. Yaidel Miguel Rodríguez Castro, a journalist with the official Radio Cabaniguán in Jobabo, shared images of the inundations in this municipality of nearly 50,000 residents.
A similar situation occurred a month earlier, in July, when parts of Santiago de Cuba were submerged after a heavy downpour. This issue was particularly severe in areas with historically problematic drainage systems, such as the vicinity of Calle 3 and Trocha intersection, as shown in images shared on social media.