As Hurricane Beryl approached Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the aftermath of its impact on two small islands in Grenada became more evident. The devastation was described as “unimaginable” and “total” by Grenada’s prime minister, Dickon Mitchell, after visiting Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which were severely affected by Beryl.
Reports indicated that nearly 98 percent of the buildings on the islands, home to 9,000 to 10,000 residents, were damaged or destroyed. Critical infrastructure such as the Princess Royal Hospital, airport, and marinas in Carriacou suffered significant damage. The islands were left without electricity, communication, and faced widespread destruction of crops and vegetation.
Despite the extensive damage, the death toll remained relatively low. Three fatalities were reported in Grenada, two in Carriacou, one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and three in Venezuela. The impact of Beryl was felt across the region, with flooding and destruction evident in various areas.
Hurricane Beryl, initially a Category 5 storm, is forecasted to maintain its strength as it approaches Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Precautionary measures, including curfews and evacuation orders, were implemented to ensure public safety.
Residents in the Cayman Islands prepared for the storm, stocking up on essentials like sandbags. The anticipation of Beryl’s impact led to heightened concerns among locals, with businesses and individuals taking necessary precautions.
The focus now shifts to assessing the damage and initiating recovery efforts in the affected areas. Grenada’s reliance on rainwater harvesting for drinking water adds another layer of concern, as officials work to restore essential services.
2024-07-03 15:06:39
Source from www.nytimes.com