In the early hours of Thursday, Havana experienced severe rainfall, leading to flooding in several parts of the Cuban capital. This was particularly evident in areas with poor drainage and low-lying zones. The relentless showers, triggered by a stationary cold front and an upper-level trough over the Gulf of Mexico, have heightened the risk of flooding across much of western Cuba.
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology's Forecast Center reported an abundance of clouds over the western and north-central coastal regions, accompanied by showers, rain, and thunderstorms. The current atmospheric conditions, stemming from a combination of meteorological factors, sustain a high likelihood of heavy rain throughout much of the country, with the West being the most affected area.
Rainfall Totals So Far
By 9:30 a.m., the southeast of Havana, including areas like San José de las Lajas, Jaruco, and Catalina de Güines, had recorded over two inches of rain (50 mm) in just three hours. In Havana itself, the Casablanca weather station reported a total of 42.9 mm of rainfall from early morning until 8:00 a.m. This situation has led to alternating periods of heavy rain and persistent drizzle affecting the capital.
Other western localities have also seen significant rainfall amounts, like the 80.5 mm in Bahía Honda and Artemisa.
Forecast for the Coming Hours
The unstable conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, with prevailing clouds and potentially widespread rain, especially along the north coast of the western and central regions. These rainfalls may extend into the evening hours. The presence of a tropical wave south of the Cuban archipelago, coupled with a trough and a stationary front in the Florida Straits, has increased humidity and created favorable conditions for intense rains across much of the nation.
Given the ongoing weather scenario, authorities are warning of possible flooding in vulnerable areas and urging residents to take precautions, particularly in regions prone to overflowing and with inadequate drainage systems.
Preventive Measures Issued by Authorities
In light of the persistent rain and risk of further flooding, the First Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in Havana has issued several directives to ensure public safety and the proper organization of services. These measures include:
- Finalizing disaster reduction plans and ensuring established cooperation for this phase.
- Securing the Hydrological Observation and Prevention Network, crucial for monitoring water levels in affected areas.
- Verifying sanitary measures in shelters and food preparation centers.
- Constantly monitoring the condition of rivers and the sea in flood-prone areas such as El Manguito (Habana del Este), El Pontón, Cuatro Caminos, Virgen del Camino, the banks of the Martín Pérez River, and the low-lying neighborhoods of Santa Ana, in Playa. Special attention will be given to the Plaza de la Revolución area, from the Malecón to Línea, and settlements near the Jaimanitas, Quibú, and Almendares rivers.
- Reviewing the state of power generators, ensuring their availability and sufficient fuel supply.
- Companies like ETECSA, Aguas de La Habana, Sanitation, and Communal Services are to coordinate actions for cleaning and sanitizing flooded areas, as well as preparing work brigades to respond to any emergency.
- The Political and Ideological Work Group will ensure timely communication to the public through the province's official media outlets, disseminating necessary measures at all times.
- Detailing the actions of MININT and the FAR, following the Risk Reduction Plan.
- The capital's transportation department will ensure assistance to passengers who may be stranded at terminals, especially those heading to Isla de la Juventud and other provinces.
- Reinforcing all Command Posts to coordinate necessary actions in response to the meteorological situation.
- Territorial authorities will have the power to take necessary measures based on the particular characteristics of each region, drawing on past experiences with similar phenomena.