The municipalities of Regla and Guanabacoa suffered the most damage during the severe storms that formed ahead of a cold front which crossed the provinces of Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, and La Habana.

“We are touring areas affected by the extreme weather phenomenon in Regla. The damages are severe; at this moment we lament the loss of three human lives, and 172 injured are being assisted. Several brigades are already working on the recovery,” Díaz-Canel stated.

According to preliminary data cited by authorities in the capital, on the Cuban television program Buenos Días, the deceased and injured were victims of partial or total collapses of their homes, falling trees, and other events related to the storm.

According to Prensa Latina, a tour of the city’s streets revealed many fallen trees and damage to buildings, partial interruption of electrical service, and closed streets, including the Malecón, due to high waves.

President Díaz-Canel reported on Twitter that a Council of Ministers meeting was held to evaluate the situation and adopt measures to move forward in the recovery from the severe damage left by wind, rain, and a tornado last night.

(Granma)

Over the next few hours, ahead of this front, a line of thunderstorms could form, and as these systems move east, the western portion of the country will be affected, tonight and into the dawn hours.”

Cubans, accustomed to such advisories were not alarmed, not suspecting the magnitude of the events to come after 8:00pm.

Residents were shaken by the tempestuous roar of the wind, one gust after another, increasingly strong. Telephone calls began to spread the news: A tornado had hit Luyanó; there was a locally severe storm in Cerro; and cars were underwater in flooded streets. The city was left in the dark night without stars…

Amidst the uncertainty, with sirens adding tension, Granma shares a few images of the painful view to which Havana awakens.

Several teams of reporters are on the streets, at this time, seeking more concrete information.