On Saturday night, officials from the Plaza de la Revolución municipality began evacuating vulnerable residents due to severe flooding in the low-lying areas near Havana's iconic seawall, the Malecón.
Teams from the Red Cross and Civil Defense were busy relocating the elderly and those with mobility challenges to safe shelters. A cold front affecting Cuba's western region is causing strong winds and waves along the island's northern coast.
Sea Ingress and Strong Winds in Havana
The Meteorological Institute reported that sea ingress intensified late in the afternoon, leading to flooding along the Havana Malecón and other low-lying coastal areas.
At the Casa Blanca weather station in Havana, wind gusts were recorded at up to 82 kilometers per hour at 7:45 p.m. and 77 kilometers per hour at 9:30 p.m., both coming from the northwest. Sustained wind speeds have ranged between 35 and 40 kilometers per hour in recent hours. Waves have exceeded heights of 4 meters at certain points along the Malecón.
The President of the Provincial Defense Council of Havana, Liván Izquierdo Alonso, inspected the area with representatives from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the Fire Department, and Civil Defense. He took to the social network X (formerly Twitter) to warn about the dangers of sea ingress and urged the public to "stay informed and follow Civil Defense instructions."
Official Measures and Public Recommendations
The Municipal Administration Council of Plaza de la Revolución issued several guidelines for residents as the weather event continues:
- Avoid walking through flooded areas.
- Do not touch downed electrical cables.
- Stay updated and adhere to Civil Defense advisories.
- Be prepared for a possible evacuation if necessary.
- Protect your life and your family's.
- Assist vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly or those living alone.
Authorities remain on alert for sea ingress along the entire northern coast of Havana and urge citizens to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
FAQs on Severe Flooding in Havana
What caused the severe flooding in Havana?
The severe flooding in Havana was caused by a cold front affecting the western region of Cuba, bringing strong winds and significant sea ingress along the northern coast.
Which areas in Havana are most affected by the flooding?
The low-lying areas near the Havana Malecón and other parts of the northern coastal zone are most affected by the flooding.
What measures have been taken to address the flooding?
Authorities have initiated evacuations for vulnerable individuals, issued public safety guidelines, and are working with the Red Cross and Civil Defense to manage the situation.