A partial building collapse shook the night this Wednesday in a deteriorating building located on San Lázaro Street, between Oquendo and Márquez González, within the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Central Havana. According to the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Central Havana, 14 individuals were impacted by this event.
The collapse occurred in a corridor that connected several rooms on the building's first floor, which authorities had already deemed uninhabitable and beyond repair. "Partial collapse at Grade A level in the circulation corridor connecting rooms on the first floor of a continuously deteriorating building," stated the Municipal Assembly in a Facebook post.
The municipal mayor, housing director, members of the Fire Department, the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), and rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene. Despite the severity of the incident, no casualties or injuries have been reported. The affected individuals are receiving care and are being relocated to safer areas, as per official statements shared on social media.
Building Collapse Amidst Power Outages and Ruins
This incident took place during a widespread blackout affecting large areas of the country, including Havana. The Cuban Electrical Union (UNE) announced on Thursday that Unit 8 of the Máximo Gómez thermoelectric plant in Mariel was reconnected at 12:20 a.m. Other plants, like Nuevitas 5, are currently undergoing recovery processes.
Additionally, the Energás Varadero plant was synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN), as confirmed by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Nevertheless, Cuba is facing its fifth national electrical collapse in under a year amid an outdated energy infrastructure and a prolonged crisis.
Alarming Pattern of Collapses in Central Havana
This recent collapse joins a series of other incidents in the municipality, such as the one at Belascoaín #105, where residents have complained about the lack of response from authorities despite the severe structural damage.
At the intersection of Belascoaín and San Miguel, another building is at risk of collapsing and has been accumulating garbage for years without any visible preventive measures, according to warnings shared by locals on social media.
Havana Crumbling to Pieces
The recurring collapses highlight a chronic housing crisis affecting thousands of families in the Cuban capital. Many buildings, constructed over a century ago, lack structural maintenance and exhibit severe damage exacerbated by humidity, rain, and the absence of state investment.
Meanwhile, amidst the darkness of power outages and the fear of being buried under rubble, the people of Havana continue to await solutions that seem never to arrive.
Understanding Cuba's Housing and Infrastructure Crisis
What caused the building collapse in Central Havana?
The building collapse was due to structural deterioration in a corridor connecting several rooms on the first floor. The building had already been declared uninhabitable by authorities.
How is Cuba addressing its frequent blackouts?
Cuba is attempting to address power outages by reconnecting and recovering units from its existing power plants, although the outdated infrastructure poses significant challenges.
What are the common issues with buildings in Havana?
Many buildings in Havana are over a century old and suffer from a lack of structural maintenance, leading to severe damage worsened by environmental conditions and insufficient state investment.