Heavy rainfall on Friday led to severe flooding across several districts of Havana, leaving many areas submerged. Social media erupted with images and videos showcasing the extent of the water levels in the city's low-lying neighborhoods.
Meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez took to Facebook to share photos and videos of the street flooding in the Libertad area of Santos Suárez, located in the Diez de Octubre municipality. "As we had predicted, the rains were intense in the western regions," he emphasized.
Complementing these reports, the independent portal El Toque also posted updates on Facebook, detailing the situation in Arroyo Naranjo municipality. "We have received videos from Calzada de Diez de Octubre, in the Cuban capital, capturing the severity of the rainfall," the post's author stated.
Local residents have pointed out that the accumulation of garbage is clogging the drainage systems, exacerbating the flooding even when the rainfall isn't particularly heavy. This was also the case in the low-lying areas of El Vedado, where the rain mixed with piles of debris on the streets, creating a hazardous situation that prevented proper drainage.
At the intersection of 3rd and 12th streets, water levels rose alarmingly due to trash blocking the sewers, as reported by a resident who warned that serious consequences could ensue if immediate action isn't taken. Flooding in this area is a recurring issue during heavy rainfalls.
The combination of overflowing garbage bins and deteriorating drainage infrastructure intensifies the impact of these weather events. A video circulating on Facebook showed a car driving through water that reached its doors.
Despite numerous government campaigns, cleanliness remains elusive in the capital. A few weeks ago, during Havana's 505th anniversary, President Díaz-Canel expressed concern over the city's neglect, dirtiness, and pollution. Nonetheless, a month later, Havana continues to be overwhelmed by trash, decay, and waste strewn across its streets.
Understanding Havana's Flooding Crisis
What caused the recent flooding in Havana?
The recent flooding in Havana was primarily caused by heavy rainfall, combined with inadequate drainage systems clogged by garbage and debris.
Why is the drainage system in Havana ineffective?
Havana's drainage system is ineffective due to a combination of overflowing garbage bins, accumulated waste, and aging infrastructure, which prevents proper water flow and drainage.
How often does flooding occur in Havana?
Flooding in Havana is a frequent issue during periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying areas with poor drainage systems.