In Camagüey, several families are grappling with the aftermath of a building collapse on Horca Street in the heart of the city's historic district. This comes as anxiety mounts with the approach of Hurricane Melissa, which threatens to bring more torrential rains and strong winds in the coming hours.
Reports from Camagüey Television indicate that cleanup efforts have been underway since the night of the disaster. The affected street has been cleared, potential risks of further collapses have been addressed, and debris has been removed from the damaged homes.
Local government teams and state-run companies are actively working in the area to stabilize structures and prevent additional damage, according to the state media.
The collapse impacted three homes, leaving several families without shelter. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries, though the shock and emotional distress linger among the residents. One of the collapsed homes was occupied by a mother and her daughter, who managed to escape moments before the facade gave way.
Experts have attributed the collapse to moisture accumulation in the structures, weakened by recent rainfall.
This incident occurs as the province braces for Hurricane Melissa's impact. Its outer bands are already causing heavy downpours in eastern and central Cuba.
With Melissa advancing northwest and potentially gaining strength, Cubans remain on high alert due to the risk of flooding and further collapses, especially in cities with deteriorating housing like Camagüey.
Residents on Horca Street, where the incident happened, acknowledge that the tragedy "could have been worse" and fear that more rain might damage other nearby homes.
"Almost all the houses here have cracks or moisture issues. Another heavy rain could bring any of them down," a neighbor remarked under anonymity.
The incident highlights the critical state of the housing infrastructure in Camagüey, and across Cuba, where many buildings suffer from structural damage due to a lack of maintenance and construction materials.
Meanwhile, the affected families are trying to salvage what little they can, facing the uncertainty of what might happen if the hurricane eventually hits the province.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Camagüey Housing Collapse
What caused the building collapse in Camagüey?
Experts believe the collapse was due to moisture build-up in the structures, which were weakened by recent rainfall.
How is the local government responding to the collapse?
Local government and state-run companies are working to stabilize the area, prevent further damage, and assist affected families.
What is the current threat posed by Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa threatens with heavy rains and strong winds, raising concerns about flooding and more collapses in vulnerable areas.