In the wake of relentless rainfall over the weekend, Santiago de Cuba is facing a crisis with numerous home collapses. According to government-aligned journalist Cuscó Tarradell, dozens of partial structural failures have been recorded across various districts of the city and communities within its nine municipalities. He described the situation as an overwhelming challenge for residents already grappling with a decaying housing infrastructure.
Tarradell noted that landslides in vulnerable areas have also affected several homes, causing widespread concern among the population. He shared images of an "earth avalanche" that invaded a residence at around 1 a.m. on Sunday, located in Pasaje H, between A and B #11, in the Municipal district, also known as Hoyo de Chicharrones.
The images were provided by Luis Bárbaro Frómeta Reyes, a 57-year-old employee at the Antonio Maceo "Rente" Thermoelectric Plant. Frómeta Reyes, alongside his niece, had to evacuate their home and seek shelter in a nearby residence due to the imminent threat posed by the nearby hill, which continues to threaten further landslides.
The journalist further reported landslides in the community of Perucho Figueredo, along the path to the Sabino Pupo cooperative neighborhood in Dos Caminos de San Luis. The risk of additional slides looms large as the saturated soil remains unstable. Authorities are urging residents to steer clear of unstable slopes, riverbanks, and areas susceptible to collapses, and to stay informed about ongoing developments.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada also shared an image of a recently collapsed home. He reported additional landslides early Sunday morning that have kept residents of Calle Princesa, between Virgen and Callejón Santiago in the Guillermón Moncada area, on high alert. Witnesses claim the ground continues to give way, posing a significant danger to residents, as several homes are perilously close to the affected zone.
Flooding Exposes Infrastructure Weaknesses
The torrential rains, linked to a tropical depression, led to severe flooding on Saturday night and into early Sunday across Santiago de Cuba and other eastern provinces. Streets and homes were submerged, leaving communities cut off. This event has once again highlighted the frailty of urban infrastructure and the inadequacy of emergency solutions in the area.
Homes Submerged and Families at Risk
Since early on, social media users have been sharing images and accounts of the heavy rain's impact. Cuscó Tarradell posted photos on Facebook of a flooded home on Camino de Santa Elena in the 30 de Noviembre district. A local resident recounted that "the entire house is underwater," and even her dog was frightened by the relentless downpour.
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada confirmed that the flooding reached homes on streets 3 and 4 of Trocha and Calle Celda in the Flores district, where residents reported significant property damage and loss. He emphasized that the emergency stems not only from the intensity of the rain but also from the chronic "lack of drainage and poor condition of the sewers" in the city.
Five individuals were rescued following the overflow of the Sígua River in the town of the same name in Santiago de Cuba. These victims were trapped within the Baconao Fantasy Park facilities and were initially helped by Red Cross lifeguards, followed by other rescue teams.
Questions About Santiago de Cuba's Housing Crisis
What caused the home collapses in Santiago de Cuba?
The collapses were triggered by intense rainfall that affected the region over the weekend, exacerbating the already deteriorating housing infrastructure.
How are authorities responding to the situation?
Authorities are advising residents to avoid unstable areas and remain informed, although some locals report a lack of visible official presence at affected sites.
What other issues have been highlighted by the flooding?
The flooding has underscored the weaknesses in urban infrastructure, particularly the poor condition of drainage systems and the city's vulnerability to heavy rains.