On the evening of November 6, a building collapse on Consulado Street, between Refugio and Genios in Central Havana, sparked alarm among residents who urgently sought help via social media. Mayda Vergara Alcoba posted an S.O.S on Facebook, calling for firefighters to respond to the area. The collapse occurred around 8 p.m. as strong winds and light rain battered the city. Like many parts of the capital, the area was without power at the time.
One neighbor commented on journalist Alberto Arego's Facebook post, expressing her shock at the deafening noise she heard. "I'm still traumatized by that sound," she remarked. Fortunately, interactions on the post reveal that there were no casualties, and firefighters promptly arrived to secure the site. However, there has been no official statement from authorities yet. Journalist Mario J Penton has shared a video capturing the event.
Impact of Widespread Blackouts
This incident unfolded amidst a widespread blackout across the island, triggered by the National Electric System's disconnection at 3 p.m. due to Hurricane Rafael's onslaught. Authorities have initiated contingency protocols while working to restore power. This event underscores the frailty of the nation's infrastructure and highlights the urgent need for emergency assistance, particularly under extreme weather conditions.
Devastating Hurricane Conditions
The Cuban capital has been battered by intense winds and heavy rains, with gusts reaching hurricane strength, causing widespread power outages and forcing the evacuation of approximately 50,000 people. Videos circulating on social media showcase the storm's ferocity in various parts of the city.
Earlier that day, Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Artemisa with sustained winds of up to 115 mph, categorizing it as a Category 3 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center issued warnings for several Cuban provinces, including Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Havana, anticipating floods and destructive winds that could endanger lives and properties. The impact was particularly severe in coastal areas, where perilous storm surges were recorded.
Rafael's Path and Potential Threats
Hours before the collapse, Hurricane Rafael had already reached Category 3 status as it moved toward Cuba's western coast. With a central pressure of 956 mb and traveling at 14 mph, Rafael posed a threat of tropical storm conditions to nearby areas, including the Florida Keys. Cuban authorities had prepared the population for potential flooding and landslides due to the heavy rains as the hurricane advanced towards the Gulf of Mexico, where it might regain strength.