Cuba Assessment

Description

A storm dumped over 188mm (7.4 inches) of rain on Havana, Cuba, during 30 April 2015, leaving 3 dead and causing several buildings to collapse. The flood forced 10,000 to leave their homes

Local media say that one of the victims, an elderly man, drowned in the flood water in the Old Havana District of the city. The other victim was electrocuted after power cables were knocked down by the storm.

Local television news also reported the death of a 43-year-old lawyer.

Water and power supplies were interrupted during the storm. At least three buildings collapsed and over 20 others were damaged. Building collapses are not uncommon in the older areas of the city, where housing stock is densely inhabited and generally in poor condition.

Flood water was over 50cm deep in some areas, causing problems for drivers and pedestrians.

According to WMO figures, between 29 and 30 April 2015, Havana received 188.3mm of rain in 24 hours. Between 30 April and 01 May, Caibarién, Villa Clara saw 80.7 mm and Playa Girón, Matanzas 99.0 mm

Nearby Florida also saw some heavy rainfall. In 24 hours between 29 and 30 April 2015, Key West received 134.1 mm and Miami 53 mm.