A gripping video circulating on social media captures the heart-stopping moment when a young Cuban, Daniel Chávez Borrego, narrowly escapes the clutches of a tornado that tore through parts of Alquízar, a municipality in the province of Artemisa. The dramatic event occurred on Thursday and has been hailed by experts as one of the most thoroughly documented weather phenomena in real-time on the island.
Meteorologist Alejandro Adonis described the footage as “one of the most striking ever captured of tornadoes in Cuba.” He noted, “The young man had to run for his life without any protection as the tornado closed in dangerously. Despite the peril, he managed to keep recording, providing us with invaluable insights into the structure, movement, and power of the storm,” Adonis shared on his social media accounts.
Filmed with a mobile phone, the video shows Chávez Borrego strolling when the sky suddenly darkens ominously. Within moments, the wind intensifies, and the camera captures the swirling funnel forming alarmingly close to his location. Daniel dashes for safety as debris begins to whirl around him. Fortunately, he found refuge in a house and continued to document the unfolding scene.
The meteorologist praised the video's utility, emphasizing that recording with precise location and time significantly enhances its scientific value, unlike posts lacking such critical details. “Most people upload photos or videos without mentioning the place or time, severely restricting meteorological analysis. In this instance, the mobile device precisely logged everything,” Adonis pointed out.
Although tornadoes are relatively rare in Cuba, their occurrence has risen in recent years, particularly in the western provinces. The most devastating incident was the January 2019 tornado in Havana, which resulted in several fatalities, over a hundred injuries, and extensive property damage.
Currently, authorities in Artemisa have not reported any fatalities, though there have been accounts of partial damage to homes, roofs torn off, and agricultural impacts in areas near Alquízar.
Understanding the Tornado Incident in Artemisa
What made the video of the tornado in Artemisa significant?
The video is significant because it provides real-time documentation of the tornado's structure, movement, and force, offering valuable data for meteorological analysis.
How did Daniel Chávez Borrego manage to film the tornado safely?
Daniel managed to film the tornado while escaping to a safe location, finding refuge in a house, and continuing to record from a secure position.
Are tornadoes common in Cuba?
Tornadoes are not commonly seen in Cuba, but their frequency has been increasing in recent years, particularly in the western parts of the country.