Camagüey building collapses highlight Cuba housing crisis

Two residential buildings collapsed in the historic center of Camagüey, Cuba, on Cristo Street. The incident occurred around midnight during a power outage, which residents say complicated initial evacuation efforts. While no fatalities were reported, two elderly individuals were rescued from the rubble unharmed.

The collapse caused partial damage to a neighboring property, destroying its facade and threatening the stability of the adjacent living area. Local residents noted that the affected structures were already in poor condition and that recent rainfall and water buildup likely contributed to the structural failure.

This event highlights a severe national housing crisis in Cuba. According to the Ministry of Construction, the country faces a deficit of approximately 806,000 homes, with roughly 35% of the nation's housing stock classified as being in fair or poor condition. The deterioration is particularly acute in cities with aging colonial-era infrastructure, such as Havana and Camagüey.