Heavy Rains Leaves Human Losses, Material Damages in Havana

Two casualties and material damage yet to quantify is the balance of heavy rains in the capital, according to Granma newspaper.

Sources from the Civil Defense informed that the dead are a lady of 81 years, who died by drowning due to a flood, and a young man of 24 years, died electrocuted because of falling power lines.

Specialists Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology reported that a line of severe thunderstorms formed quickly in the Straits of Florida ahead of a cold front, advanced on the capital from the early hours of Wednesday afternoon.

This atmospheric phenomenon, caused locally heavy rains, hailstorms and strong winds in the capital Casablanca station reached speeds of up to 98 kilometers per hour.

Besides the two deaths, 24 partial constructions collapsed and three total breakdowns were reported, while the municipalities of Centro Habana, Cerro Old Havana and were the hardest hit by the flooding, which also caused damages in transit and electricity in 39 circuits the Cuban capital.

Granma highlights the rapid response of local authorities, political, fire departments, the National Revolutionary Police and the Integrated Emergency Medical System.

Moreover, the Institute of Meteorology warns today that the planned arrival of the cold front will keep the showers and rain over the western region, which should begin to decline after midday.