MIAMI, United States. – The intense rains of the last 10 days caused the swelling of rivers and streams, flooding in some areas of the city and damage to more than 140 houses in Camagüey, according to reported on Facebook official media journalist Miozotis Fabelo Pinares.
Of the 140 buildings damaged, 25 suffered total collapses, 33 lost their roof completely and another 80 were partially affected.
The Historic Center of the heritage city has suffered most of the damage, with 45 percent of the landslides and partial damage. Local authorities are working on shoring up homes and balconies to minimize damage and prevent further collapses, Fabelo Linares said.
In addition, more than 40 families have been transferred to Protection Centers.
So far in June, an accumulation of rainfall of 294 millimeters has been registered, much higher than the historical average of 196.2 millimeters. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the rains have begun to alleviate the intense drought of recent months, contributing to the recovery of the reservoirs.
According to the local newspaper Forward, last Saturday, a house located on Calle Pobre between Academia and Ramón Fontes suffered a partial collapse of the roof due to the constant rains. The homeowner, who climbed onto the roof of his Creole tile and wood home, apparently stepped on a joist in poor condition and caused the roof to collapse.
The Rescue and Salvage forces of the Fire Department managed to remove the owner from the rubble and transfer him to the Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Military Hospital. Although he received severe blows from the fall, he did not present fractures and his life is not in danger.
The mayor of the municipality, Armando López Montero, indicated that measures are being taken with the Comprehensive Provincial Maintenance Company to address the situation. Other buildings are kept under surveillance, especially on Independencia street, which could be at risk of collapse.
