On Thursday, relentless rainstorms wreaked havoc in the La Victoria neighborhood of Central Havana, causing severe flooding that inundated homes and businesses and left a car partially submerged.
A video shared on Facebook by Liena Lopez Delgado illustrates the extent of the flooding, amassing over 93,000 views in just a few hours. The footage highlights the impact on a family residence and a local butcher shop.
"That car is almost halfway underwater. It's for the butcher shop because water got into the butcher shop," the video's creator is heard saying.
September 2026 has seen multiple similar incidents in the Cuban capital. Mid-month, intense rains resulted in over 300 mm of rain within 24 hours in certain areas of Havana, leading to the complete destruction of 26 homes and partial damage to 122 others.
The aftermath of that event left 148 individuals housed in state facilities and 762 seeking shelter with family or friends. The worst-hit municipalities included Boyeros, Diez de Octubre, Cotorro, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, La Lisa, and Cerro.
Flooding Extends Beyond La Victoria
This Thursday, the flooding wasn't confined to La Victoria. Reports from Infobae indicated that streets were also submerged in Luyanó, Cuatro Caminos, El Vedado, Línea, and Fifth Avenue.
In some areas, water reached knee height, necessitating the use of a tractor to transport residents across flooded zones.
Underlying Infrastructure Challenges
The root of the problem is structural. Havana's sewage system was constructed between 1908 and 1914 for a city of about 600,000 people, yet today it must accommodate nearly two million residents.
The network, consisting of approximately 1,755 kilometers of aging pipes, is largely outdated and ill-equipped to handle large volumes of water in short periods.
Chronic garbage accumulation clogs drains and sewers, exacerbating drainage failures during any significant downpour.
The Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) warned on Thursday of a frontal trough that could lead to at least three days of rain in western Cuba, with showers and thunderstorms expected starting Friday.
The institute clarified that "this is not a cold front, but it can still bring rain," signaling further potential risks for an urban infrastructure long unable to meet the demands of the city.
FAQs on Havana's Flooding Crisis
What caused the severe flooding in Central Havana?
The flooding was primarily caused by intense rainstorms overwhelming Havana's outdated drainage system, which was designed for a much smaller population.
How is the infrastructure in Havana contributing to the flooding issue?
Havana's infrastructure, particularly its sewage system, is antiquated and inadequate for handling the current population's needs and the volume of water during heavy rains.
What are the consequences of the recent flooding in Havana?
Recent flooding has resulted in homes and businesses being inundated, with some areas requiring evacuation and temporary shelter for affected residents.