Numerous homes in the coastal towns of Pinar del Río were completely destroyed during the passage of Hurricane Helene, as reported by local state media. According to a report from Tele Pinar, the sea remains turbulent in the coastal town of Cortés, where structural collapses have been registered.
The report highlights that several families in Cortés are already in need of housing due to the destruction caused by previous hurricanes Ian and Idalia. In response to the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene, the regime has mobilized seven medical-surgical brigades to assist those affected. The hurricane has led to significant flooding from sea surges, river overflows, and overflowing reservoirs in various areas.
In both Cortés and Ciudad Sandino, the storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds. In the municipality of Los Palacios, authorities reported rising water levels in reservoirs and rivers due to the intense rains.
This Wednesday, tropical storm Helene escalated into a Category 1 hurricane and continues to rapidly gain strength in the Caribbean Sea as it heads towards the northwest coast of Florida. Helene now boasts maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h and is moving north-northwest at a speed of 17 km/h, indicating a slight increase in its forward speed.