Big tornado hits capital Havana, killing 3 people and injuring 170, Cuba

A large tornado hit Cuban capital Havana on Sunday, January 27, 2019, killing three people and injuring at least 170. The last time Havana was hit by such a strong and damaging tornado was 79 years ago, in December 1940.

The tornado reportedly formed over the sea and then made its way toward the eastern part of Havana late Sunday night with wind speeds up to 100 km/h (60 mph). It downed trees and power poles, overturned vehicles and damaged numerous buildings.

Blackouts reportedly hit many neighborhoods around 21:00 local time.

The worst affected are parts of Regla, 10^th of October and San Miguel de Padron. The Hijas de Galicia Hospital near 10^th of October was damaged and evacuated. 

President Miguel Diaz-Canel who met with emergency crews before dawn Monday, January 28, said the damage is severe.

"We are touring areas affected by the atmospheric phenomenon of great intensity. The damage is severe and up to now we regret the loss of 3 lives and we are attending to 172 injured," Mr. Diaz-Canel said.

The last time Havana was hit by such a strong tornado was in 1940. It swept through parts of the city and into the nearby town of Bejucal, killing 20 people and injuring more than 200 others.

Featured image: Damage after tornado hits Havana, Cuba on January 27, 2019. Credit: Miguel Diaz-Canel