A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Cuba's capital amid torrential downpours, when a young boy, estimated to be between 10 and 13 years old, was tragically swept into an open drain during a severe flood. The tragic event occurred at the intersection of Vía Blanca and 10 de Octubre, a location severely impacted by the recent heavy rains.
A video capturing the exact moment the child disappeared has been circulating on social media, causing widespread shock and distress among users. Lázaro Manuel Alonso, an official journalist, confirmed the boy's fall. Alonso reported through social media, stating, "Following Monday's intense rains and the ensuing floods in the western part of the country, the death of a minor in the capital has been reported."
Alonso referred to the shared images online, which depict the tragic event where the child, walking through a flooded area, is presumed to have fallen into an open sewer.
Government Statement on the Incident
The Havana Government issued a statement providing details about the incident, highlighting that the boy was walking unaccompanied, despite warnings from the Civil Defense and the Meteorological Institute about the dangers of moving through flooded areas.
"On Monday afternoon, in the intersection of Vía Blanca and Villanueva, Old Havana municipality, an incident occurred. A minor, walking alone through the flooded area following the heavy rains, was not accompanied by an adult and disregarded the warnings issued during the day and in previous days by the Civil Defense and the Meteorological Institute. He did not notice the open drain, which with the force of water, pulled him in," the statement described.
The local government stated that upon receiving the emergency call at 106, rescue and salvage operations were immediately initiated by the Ministry of the Interior's trained forces to handle such emergencies. Communist Party officials, the Government, and local firefighters were present at the scene.
Despite this statement, citizens have voiced criticism on social media regarding the lack of signage and protection around open drains, as well as the delayed response from authorities to prevent such tragedies.
Key Questions About Safety and Flooding in Havana
What measures are in place to prevent accidents during floods in Havana?
The local government and Civil Defense issue warnings and advisories about the dangers of moving through flooded areas. However, criticism has been raised about the lack of physical barriers and signage around open drains.
How do authorities respond to flooding emergencies in Havana?
Emergency calls are directed to the Ministry of the Interior, which has trained forces to carry out rescue and salvage operations. Local firefighters and officials from the Communist Party and the government are also involved in the response.