Barbados, Caribbean Sea – Hurricane Beryl has wreaked havoc in the Caribbean, claiming the lives of at least four individuals and causing heavy rain, dangerous winds, and widespread flooding. Forecasters have warned that the storm, currently a Category 5 and situated southeast of the Dominican Republic, could maintain its strength as it progresses towards Mexico.
In Grenada, two fatalities occurred in Carriacou Island, while another person lost their life when a tree fell on a residence on River Road. The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, reported significant damage, including downed power lines and impassable roads due to debris.
The National Hurricane Center issued updates indicating that Beryl, with sustained winds of nearly 165 mph, is the strongest July hurricane on record. The storm is expected to move westward across the Caribbean, passing near Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before reaching the Yucatán Peninsula.
Jamaica upgraded its advisory to a hurricane warning, urging residents to seek higher ground and prepare for potential disaster. Other regions, including the south of Hispaniola and the Cayman Islands, are under tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches.
This early appearance of a Category 4 hurricane in June, the earliest in the Atlantic hurricane season, has had devastating effects on the Windward Islands. Observers note that Beryl’s strength and impact on the region make it a historic and unprecedented event.
As the Caribbean braces for further impact from Beryl, emergency services are on high alert, with preparations for extensive rainfall, flooding, and storm surges in place. In the face of this impending disaster, the region remains united in concerns for the safety and well-being of its inhabitants.
Overall, Hurricane Beryl’s presence in the Caribbean has left a path of destruction, claiming lives, destroying homes, and disrupting daily life in the affected areas. As the storm progresses, authorities are closely monitoring its trajectory and effects, with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of all those in harm’s way.
