New York – The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl has left a trail of destruction in its wake as the small, storm-ravaged eastern Caribbean islands begin to pick up the pieces. The extent of the damage has become clearer as communications were reestablished and relief efforts have begun to arrive.
The Grenadian islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique were hit the hardest when Beryl made landfall on Monday as a Category 4 storm, later strengthening to a Category 5. With a population of 11,000, these islands have been left devastated.
Simon Springett, the United Nations resident coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, described the situation on the islands as dire. “The desalination plants, cell towers, and fiber optic cables have all been knocked out. The roads are impassable and 95% of the housing stock has been destroyed. Local businesses and income-generating activities have also been severely affected,” he said.
Beryl is the first Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic Ocean in June, marking the beginning of what is predicted to be a busy hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms until November 30.
Springett, who recently briefed reporters from Grenada, reported that communications were only restored with Carriacou on Thursday night. With a population of 9,000, this island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and sandy beaches, which have now been severely impacted.
“The entire island has been affected,” Springett said.
The relief operation has been further complicated by rough seas and the airport control towers being knocked offline. “There is only fly-by visibility, and even when goods reach the airport, there are no roads to access them,” Springett explained.
However, help is on the way. A French naval vessel is expected to arrive in Carriacou on Friday, and neighboring countries such as Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have also sent support. The United Nations, which has nine agencies active in Grenada, is surging more staff in to assist with relief efforts. A supply ship is also scheduled to arrive on Saturday from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to bring aid to the outer islands and then continue to Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
Three islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Canouan, Union Island, and Mayreau – were also severely hit by Beryl. With a population of 15,500, these islands are in need of urgent assistance.
Beryl also made its way to Jamaica on Wednesday, causing the strongest storm the island has seen in over a decade. However, the island was fortunate to have been spared the worst of the hurricane. Dennis Zulu, the U.N. resident coordinator for Jamaica, reported that 70% of the population is without water and 40% without power. But the government has acted swiftly to reopen the main tourist airport in Montego Bay and clear road access to resorts.
“From preliminary assessments, it seems that the infrastructure of tourist hotels and resorts has not been significantly damaged, which is a positive sign,” Zulu said.
Unfortunately, there has been one confirmed death in Jamaica due to Beryl, and a flash flood warning remains in effect. While there has been damage to homes, some government shelters have been able to close as people have returned to their homes.
“Jamaica is up and running, and the government is working hard to ensure it stays that way,” Zulu stated.
The United Nations has allocated an initial $1.5 million from its emergency fund for Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and an additional $2.5 million for Jamaica. This aid will go a long way in helping these islands recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.
As we continue to monitor the situation in the Caribbean, it is important to remember that these islands are not alone. The international community is coming together to provide support and assistance, and we must all do our part to help those affected by this disaster. Let us keep the people of the Caribbean in our thoughts and prayers, and let us stand together in solidarity during this difficult time.
