Hurricane Beryl left at least four people dead as it swept through the southeastern Caribbean as a powerful Category 5 hurricane. The storm is expected to weaken somewhat as it moves through open waters, but it remains a serious threat as it continues on its path toward Jamaica.
The powerful Hurricane Beryl is moving across open waters on Tuesday en route to Jamaica, where authorities have issued evacuation alerts in anticipation of a dangerous Category 5 storm that has left at least four dead after making landfall in the southeastern Caribbean.
Beryl is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). Officials warned residents in low-lying areas to prepare for evacuation.
There is currently a hurricane warning in effect for the Jamaican island and a warning for the islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Although the intense storm is expected to begin to fade on Tuesday, forecasters insist it will remain powerful when it passes near Jamaica on Wednesday, the Cayman Islands on Thursday and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
“I encourage all Jamaicans to view the hurricane as a serious threat,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a public address Monday night. “However, this is not the time to panic.”
IN PHOTOS I The Caribbean protects itself from the passage of the powerful hurricane Beryl
Beryl strengthened into a Category 5 storm after shattering doors, windows and roofs across the southeastern Caribbean with devastating winds and storm surge fueled by unusually warm waters in the Atlantic.
On Tuesday morning, the storm was located about 375 kilometers (235 miles) southeast of Isla Beata in the Dominican Republic, had maximum winds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour) and was moving west-northwest at 35 km/h (22 mph).
“Beryl remains a strong Category 5 hurricane,” the NHC said.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for the entire southern coast of Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The storm made landfall on Carriacou Islandin Grenada, as the earliest Category 4 storm in the history of the Atlantic hurricane season. Hours later on Monday, the NHC reported that the storm had reached Category 5 status. Fluctuations in its winds are possible in the coming days as it moves through the Caribbean.
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Streets on the island of St Lucia, south of Grenada, were littered with shoes, trees, downed wires and other debris. The storm snapped banana trees in half and killed cows, which lay sleeping in the grass near where fragile tin houses were tottering.
As the storm continued to move across the southeastern Caribbean Sea, rescue workers were trying to determine the extent of the damage it caused after making landfall on Carriacou, an island off Grenada, as a Category 4 hurricane.
Authorities reported three deaths in Grenada and one in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
One death in Grenada occurred after a tree fell on a home, Kerryne James, minister of climate resilience, environment and renewable energy, told The Associated Press.
He said the nearby islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique suffered the most damage, with water, food and baby formula being a priority.
An emergency team is expected to travel to Carriacou on Tuesday morning.
“I’m just heartbroken right now,” said Vichelle Clark King as she surveyed the damage to her store in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, which was filled with water and sand.
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The hurricane continued to move through the southeastern Caribbean early Tuesday, on a path that would take it close to southern Jamaica and then head toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, possibly as a Category 1 storm by Thursday afternoon.
Fluctuations are likely, but Beryl is expected to reach near-major hurricane intensity as it moves through the central Caribbean and passes near Jamaica on Wednesday, the NHC said. Noticeable weakening is expected afterward.
The last powerful hurricane to hit the southeastern Caribbean was Ivan, 20 years ago, which caused dozens of deaths in Grenada.
[Con información de AP y Reuters]
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Hurricane Beryl: Category 5 Storm Leaves Destruction in Its Wake
Hurricane Beryl has left a trail of devastation across the southeastern Caribbean, claiming at least four lives and causing significant damage to infrastructure and property. The powerful Category 5 storm, which made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada, is currently traversing open waters en route to Jamaica, where authorities have issued evacuation alerts.
Beryl’s Path of Destruction
Beryl’s destructive force was felt throughout the southeastern Caribbean, with devastating winds and storm surge fueled by unusually warm Atlantic waters. The storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour), shattered doors, windows, and roofs across the region, leaving behind a scene of wreckage and despair.
Impact on Grenada
Carriacou Island, located off the coast of Grenada, was particularly hard hit by Beryl. Rescue workers are currently assessing the extent of the damage and searching for survivors. The storm’s impact on Grenada has been compounded by the fact that it made landfall as the earliest Category 4 storm in the history of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Authorities in Grenada have confirmed three deaths as a result of the storm. One incident involved a tree falling on a home, tragically killing a resident. The islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique suffered the most damage, with urgent needs for water, food, and baby formula.
Impact on St. Vincent and the Grenadines
One fatality has been reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the storm brought heavy rain and strong winds. Rescue efforts are underway to assess the damage and assist those affected.
Beryl’s Continued Threat
Although Beryl is expected to begin to fade on Tuesday, forecasters emphasize that it will remain a powerful storm as it approaches Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The NHC has issued hurricane warnings for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, urging residents to take necessary precautions and prepare for potential evacuation.
Jamaica’s Response
Jamaican authorities have issued evacuation alerts, particularly for residents in low-lying areas, as Beryl is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to prepare for the storm but also stressed the importance of remaining calm.
The Cayman Islands
A hurricane warning is in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. The islands are preparing for the storm’s arrival, with emergency services on standby to respond to any potential incidents.
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
Beryl is expected to reach the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, potentially as a Category 1 storm. Authorities in the region are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of residents.
Recovery and Assistance
In the wake of Beryl’s destruction, relief efforts are underway across the affected islands. International organizations and governments are coordinating aid to provide essential supplies, medical assistance, and support for rebuilding efforts. The Caribbean region is highly vulnerable to hurricanes, and Beryl’s aftermath highlights the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Stay Informed and Safe
The situation surrounding Hurricane Beryl is evolving, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest forecasts and warnings. Follow reputable news sources and official advisories from local authorities. Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and be prepared to evacuate if needed.
Remember
Remember that hurricanes are unpredictable, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.