Karen Rodríguez Dueñas, the aunt of a five-month-old baby who tragically died on Monday during severe flooding in Cerro, Havana, has shared a heart-wrenching account of the incident. "We were all inside our homes with the kids. It happened so fast, in seconds, we didn't have time to do anything. The wall that separated our homes from a nearby workshop collapsed, and the water rushed into all the houses," she recounted to Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias.
Rodríguez, visibly emotional, explained, "I managed to get my baby out, but my sister-in-law couldn't get 'my baby' out, my five-month-old nephew." She further revealed, "When the rescuers arrived, they found him behind the door, where the child was because we couldn't find him anywhere." The baby, identified as Neimar Francisco Valdés Pérez, was swept away by the water current following the wall's collapse.
The details of Karen's testimony corroborate what a neighbor had previously shared on social media, stating that the force of the water also swept the mother, who took a moment to realize her child was missing. Rescuers found the baby alive and attempted resuscitation, but he later died at the hospital.
One of the firefighters involved in the rescue, Enmanuel Díaz Rodríguez, expressed his grief on Facebook, saying, "Fly high little one, we pulled you out alive, but you didn’t make it. You can't imagine how we, the firefighters, feel."
The funeral services for Neimar were held at La Nacional funeral home, with the procession departing at 8:20 AM on Tuesday, as reported by the newspaper 14ymedio. In Havana, heavy rains frequently lead to sudden floods, especially in low-lying areas where drainage systems are clogged with debris. The collapse of weakened structures is a persistent threat, despite local complaints about leaks, cracks, and the risk of collapse.
Images captured on Tuesday morning depicted streets littered with destroyed furniture, fallen walls, and debris carried by the water. Local reports indicated that the rains and flooding from Monday to Tuesday caused at least two additional collapses, resulting in injuries.
As of the writing of this article, the official state media had yet to confirm the death of the five-month-old in Cerro.
Frequently Asked Questions about Havana Floods
What caused the flooding in Cerro, Havana?
The flooding in Cerro, Havana was caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of a wall, allowing water to rush into homes.
Who was Neimar Francisco Valdés Pérez?
Neimar Francisco Valdés Pérez was a five-month-old baby who tragically lost his life after being swept away by floodwaters in Cerro, Havana.
How common are floods in Havana?
Floods are relatively common in Havana, particularly in low-lying areas with poor drainage systems that are often blocked by debris.