THE rapidly-formed, unpredictable hydrometeor event that occurred in Cuba’s capital on Tuesday afternoon, May 23, brought on by heavy rain of nearly 120 millimeters in approximately two hours, resulted in the lamentable deaths of seven people and caused extensive material damage.

The National Hydraulic Resources Institute reported that as a consequence of these rains the sectors most critically affected were the low-lying areas along the Quibú and Almendares Rivers, where water levels reached seven meters along the banks of the first and three meters along the second.

The abundant rain caused flooding in parts of the capital, affecting eight of 15 municipalities. The highest figures for rainfall were recorded in the Palatino neighborhood of Cerro with 190mm, and in Náutico, Playa, with 126mm.

Due to the magnitude of the phenomenon, it was necessary to close the tunnels of Línea and Quinta Avenida, flooded with 10,000 and 7,000 cubic meters of water, respectively, and where ongoing work is being carried out to reestablish service.

The supply of manufactured gas was affected in Marianao and Playa after the plant located in Mariano was shut down. In addition, 348 irregularities in electrical services were reported, affecting 40,000 individuals; this service has been restored almost completely.

A number of houses were partially or totally destroyed and there was damage to schools and warehouses in the municipalities of Playa and Old Havana. Cisterns were contaminated for some hospitals, workplaces and homes.

Currently the damage in different spheres of the economy and in housing is being assessed, and intense efforts are underway to return to normalcy.