Hurricane Rafael has wreaked havoc across Havana, leaving behind significant damage in many urban areas of the Cuban capital. The powerful storm brought torrential rains and ferocious winds reaching up to 175 km/h, resulting in severe flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, the collapse of dilapidated structures, and the mass evacuation of thousands of residents.
The fierce winds uprooted large trees and tore off the roofs of numerous homes and state buildings. Many communities, particularly in Centro Habana and Old Havana, found themselves quickly submerged as the hurricane overwhelmed the drainage capacity of these areas.
Massive Flooding and Evacuations
The storm has impacted thousands, forcing some to evacuate in the dead of night due to the severe flooding and relentless winds. Authorities report that at least 50,000 people have been relocated to safety, while others have sought refuge in sturdier homes of friends and family.
Collapse of Aged Buildings
One of the most concerning events occurred on Calle Consulado in Centro Habana, where a partial building collapse caused panic among residents. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties. Locals took to social media to share images and videos, pleading for assistance and highlighting the vulnerability of the city’s infrastructure to such extreme weather conditions.
Widespread Power Outages
In addition to physical destruction, Hurricane Rafael has left vast areas of the capital and other western provinces without electricity. The national power grid was disconnected at 3 p.m., exacerbating the challenges of rescue and recovery operations.
Efforts to Restore Power
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) has announced that they began a gradual restoration of the National Electrical System during the night and early morning following Rafael’s passage. Power has been restored to the thermoelectric plants in Matanzas and Nuevitas, allowing them to restart, and over ten emergency generators are now operational in the central and eastern parts of the country, as well as in Pinar del Río.
However, recovery in the western regions may take longer due to the need to inspect transmission lines and systems damaged by winds exceeding 60 km/h in numerous locations.
Rafael’s impact on Havana is part of a broader pattern of significant infrastructure and housing damage in other western provinces as well. Although the hurricane has weakened since leaving the island, the aftermath remains critical and demands the attention of both authorities and the public.