By ADFNewsdesk – 

The powerful Category 4 Hurricane Beryl has continued its trail of destruction and loss across Jamaica and several smaller Caribbean islands. As of now, the death toll has climbed to at least 10, with fears that it may rise further as communication is restored in the affected areas.

Despite predictions of a slight weakening, Hurricane Beryl maintained its “extremely dangerous” status as it battered Jamaica with relentless winds and torrential rain. The capital of Kingston experienced widespread power outages while residents sought refuge from the storm’s wrath in shelters.

Beryl’s power was felt as it skirted the southern coast, causing heavy winds and rain that battered communities. Tragically, at least one person lost their life in Jamaica due to a fallen tree. Emergency groups worked tirelessly to evacuate people from flood-prone regions, with nearly a thousand Jamaicans seeking shelter by Wednesday evening.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness implemented a nationwide curfew and urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate, highlighting the severity of the situation. Beryl’s loss of life and damage underscore the impact of a warming Atlantic Ocean attributed to human-caused climate change.

Neighbouring islands like Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have suffered immensely, with reports of widespread destruction and significant agricultural losses. The aftermath of Beryl has left communities homeless and facing potential food shortages.

As the hurricane continues, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for the Cayman Islands and the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The storm is projected to weaken slightly but remain a major hurricane as it approaches these regions.

Beryl leaves a trail of damage and destruction.

Three people were reported killed in Grenada and Carriacou and another in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, officials said. Three other deaths were reported in northern Venezuela, where five people are missing, officials said. About 25,000 people in that area also were affected by heavy rainfall from Beryl.

The islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique sustained the greatest damage, with scores of homes and businesses affected.

Above: Drone footage of the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl

“The situation is grim,” Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told a news conference Tuesday. “There is no power and almost destruction of homes and buildings on the island. The roads are not passable, and in many instances, they are cut off because of the large quantity of debris strewn all over the streets.”

Mitchell added: “The possibility that there may be more fatalities remains a grim reality as movement is still highly restricted.”

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reports indicate that 90% of homes on Union Island were destroyed, and similar levels of destruction were expected on the islands of Myreau and Canouan. Due to the extensive damage, urgent humanitarian needs have emerged, underscoring the widespread impact of the catastrophic storm.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines vowed to rebuild his nation in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, acknowledging the widespread destruction and loss his people suffered. Caribbean communities’ resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to their strength and unity.

As the Caribbean region grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, solidarity and support from the global diaspora are crucial for recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Caribbean diaspora in Kirklees stands in solidarity with their homelands, offering prayers and assistance to those affected by the devastating storm.

Stay informed and connected with updates on relief efforts and recovery progress following Hurricane Beryl’s impact on the Caribbean islands.

AccuWeather forecast for path of Hurricane Beryl as it moves westwards from Jamaica (AccuWeather)

UPDATE: The state of emergency in Carriacou will end on Tuesday 9th July, therefore people can proceed to travel to Carriacou after Tuesday.

We appreciate your support, it really is invaluable, please share the article, and make sure to join the KLTV WhatsApp Community today!