On Sunday, a bolt of lightning dramatically struck the antennas of the renowned Hotel Habana Libre during a fierce thunderstorm that swept across Havana, offering a breathtaking spectacle as the sky was electrified over the Cuban capital. This striking moment was captured and shared on Facebook by meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor, who posted an image of the exact instance the lightning made contact with the building's peak.
In his post, Delgado emphasized the storm's intensity and underscored the critical need for heightened caution during such powerful electrical events. The storm occurred amidst a day of heavy rain and significant electrical activity affecting multiple neighborhoods in Havana, leading to reports of thunder, strong winds, and temporary power outages.
The meteorologist included a remarkable photo with his post, capturing the precise moment the lightning struck, crediting "Henry Rodríguez, an enthusiast," for the image. Delgado reiterated the importance of taking shelter during thunderstorms, advising against seeking refuge under trees or metal structures and recommending the disconnection of electrical devices to prevent accidents.
While there have been no reports of physical damage or casualties, the incident drew considerable attention on social media due to the dramatic flash over one of the city's most famous landmarks. Amalia Ulloa Betancourt described the thunderclap's intensity from her home on Infanta Street: "It shook my ears. Be careful, it’s incredibly dangerous."
Nearby, Nany Almas confirmed, "The impact was powerful... it was quite palpable." Others turned to humor to diffuse the tension of the moment. Ismael Brito Abreu quipped, "Not even the K Tower could handle that." Meanwhile, Andy Lage expressed relief, saying, "Thank goodness it didn’t strike Felton or Guiteras."
Rosa María Fernández warned about the peril faced by some pedestrians: "Terrifying, I saw young people walking as lightning struck around them, they’re reckless."
This recent lightning strike at the Hotel Habana Libre adds to a series of meteorological events that have caught Habaneros off guard in recent months. In August, a thunderstorm left the capital with awe-inspiring images of intense lightning and strong winds, causing power outages and downed trees in areas like Vedado and the Plaza de la Revolución. Weeks later, another similar event resulted in damage to a building in Havana, once home to the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television.
The lightning caused partial fires and structural damage, though no casualties were reported. Residents described the incident as "a bone-rattling explosion" that renewed concerns about the vulnerability of buildings during such phenomena.
Experts caution that these types of electrical storms have increased in frequency and severity during the year's second half, coinciding with rising humidity and extreme temperatures. Tragically, just hours before the lightning strike on the Habana Libre, three people were killed and four injured by a lightning strike in the eastern part of the country.
Understanding Lightning Strikes in Havana
What caused the lightning to strike the Habana Libre Hotel?
The lightning strike was a result of an intense thunderstorm that brought significant electrical activity to Havana, making the tall structures like the Hotel Habana Libre particularly vulnerable to lightning.
Were there any injuries or damage reported from the lightning strike?
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or material damage resulting from the lightning strike on the hotel.
How can people protect themselves during lightning storms?
During lightning storms, it is crucial to seek shelter indoors, avoid standing under trees or metal structures, and unplug electrical devices to minimize the risk of accidents.