Efforts to recover the body of a young boy who was tragically swept into a drain during severe flooding in Havana continued on Monday afternoon. The heartbreaking incident, which was widely shared on social media, forced the government to publicly acknowledge what had occurred.
The accident took place at the intersection of Vía Blanca and 10 de Octubre, an area heavily impacted by the recent torrential rains. According to footage shared online, the boy, believed to be between 10 and 13 years old, was walking alone through the flooded street when he inadvertently stepped into an uncovered manhole and was swept away.
State-affiliated journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported on Facebook that "efforts are ongoing to recover the child's body, who was drawn into a drain during this afternoon's flooding. The child's identity remains unknown." Images from the rescue operation show Ministry of the Interior (MININT) officers, rescue workers, and concerned citizens gathered around the open manhole.
One of the photos captures officials inspecting the drain, while another provides a broader view of the scene, with anxious neighbors and passersby looking on. A third image shows a close-up of the open manhole, with a rope tied to a stone, likely used as part of the search equipment.
The Havana government issued a statement explaining that the child was unaccompanied by an adult and disregarded warnings from the Civil Defense and the Institute of Meteorology about the dangers of traversing flooded areas. Upon receiving the emergency call, rescue operations commenced immediately with specialized MININT personnel.
This tragic event has sparked criticism on social media regarding the lack of signage and protection around open manholes, as well as the management of the city's drainage infrastructure. Accumulated debris blocking drainage systems and the deteriorating state of drainage infrastructure are persistent issues that exacerbate flooding in Havana.
Martí Noticias journalist Mario J. Pentón described the situation as a "disgrace" and criticized the government for suggesting the parents were at fault for not accompanying the child, rather than acknowledging official negligence. "A child dies after being sucked into an open manhole on a street flooded due to lack of maintenance, and the Cuban regime's propaganda machine goes into action," he stated on social media.
He further criticized the government for portraying the same officials whose negligence allegedly led to the tragedy as "heroes." "This is how communism operates: covering up its failures with lies," he concluded.
Key Questions on Drainage and Safety in Havana
What caused the tragic incident in Havana?
The incident occurred when a young boy, walking alone through a flooded area, stepped into an uncovered manhole and was swept away by the water.
What criticisms have been raised following the incident?
Critics have pointed out the lack of proper signage and protection around open manholes, as well as the poor management of Havana's drainage infrastructure.
How has the government responded to the incident?
The government has initiated rescue efforts and issued statements, but has faced criticism for deflecting blame onto the child's parents and not addressing infrastructure failures.