What was meant to be a joyous honeymoon turned into a distressing ordeal in the heart of Havana. A pair of newlyweds found themselves in need of rescue this past Sunday after becoming stranded due to severe flooding along the Malecón, caused by a strong swell during the onslaught of a cold front in Cuba's capital.
The incident was reported by pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, who shared a video showing rescuers from the Cuban Red Cross and the Fire Brigade aiding the couple as they navigated through a street entirely submerged under water.
According to the report, the couple was staying at the iconic Meliá Cohíba Hotel in the Vedado district when the rising sea made it difficult for them to reach safety.
In a broadcast on Canal Caribe, Alonso explained that the sea had reached the vicinity of Línea Street in what authorities described as the most significant flooding event of the current winter season, although meteorologists labeled it as "moderate".
The Civil Defense activated several work areas in regions such as Vedado-Malecón, Rampa, and Carmelo in response to water breaching streets and buildings close to the coast.
Based on the official report, the couple's rescue took place after their relatives alerted authorities, who were conducting patrols in the affected areas. The search and rescue teams successfully located and evacuated them to a safe location through the flooded zones. Although no details were provided regarding their nationality, it was noted that they were foreign nationals.
Beyond this particular incident, the flooding presented a familiar challenge for many Habaneros. The advancing seawater disrupted electrical services, damaged building cisterns, and prompted the self-evacuation of over 500 residents in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality.
Streets in Vedado and areas adjacent to the Malecón were left waterlogged, while rescue crews and heavy machinery worked to clear vehicles trapped by the deluge.
The Associated Press (AP) confirmed that the waves reached up to four meters in height and that the sea began encroaching on the city from Saturday night, progressing several blocks inland.
Residents recounted a night filled with fear, wind, and uncertainty, with preventive electricity, water, and gas outages adding to the chaos.
Although authorities reported no loss of life, this event once again highlighted the vulnerability of large portions of Havana to increasingly severe weather phenomena.
Key Questions About Havana's Floods and Rescues
What caused the flooding along Havana's Malecón?
The flooding was caused by a strong swell during the passage of a cold front, which resulted in the sea encroaching onto the streets of Havana, particularly affecting areas along the Malecón.
How did authorities respond to the flooding in Havana?
Authorities activated Civil Defense zones and deployed rescue teams to affected areas, assisting in evacuations and managing the situation to ensure public safety.
Were there any casualties as a result of the flooding?
No casualties were reported. However, the flooding caused significant disruptions, including power outages and infrastructure damage.