Hurricane Beryl caused severe damage to several Caribbean islands, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). With Beryl transforming into a Category 5 storm, the IFRC’s disaster manager for the Caribbean, Rhea Pierre, noted that such strong early-season hurricanes are likely to become more common due to climate change.
We have prepared a comprehensive list of Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Beryl, drawing from the latest news reports around the globe. These islands have been reported as severely impacted by the hurricane, with varying degrees of damage to homes, infrastructure, and local economies.
Carriacou, Grenada
Carriacou, an island in the Caribbean Sea, is part of Grenada and lies to the north of Grenada’s mainland. Carriacou has been significantly affected by Hurricane Beryl. The majority of homes and buildings have suffered extensive damage, rendering them uninhabitable. As a result, finding shelter for the affected residents is a significant concern. As per the latest US Today news report, seeing such devastation Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell quotes, “It is almost Armageddon-like, almost total damage and destruction of all buildings. Complete devastation and destruction of agriculture. Complete and total destruction of the natural environment”.
Petite Martinique, Grenada
Petite Martinique, a small island in the Caribbean, has been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl. As per the US Today news report, an estimated 80% of its houses and buildings have been extensively damaged or destroyed, leaving around 900 people affected. The majority of the island’s residents are currently sheltering in place as they cope with the devastation. The island faces significant challenges in terms of rebuilding and recovery due to the widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes.
Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
According to the data published in the US Today news report, Union Island, with its population of about 3,000, faced catastrophic damage from Hurricane Beryl. Approximately 98% of all buildings, including homes, were either badly damaged or destroyed. The island’s airport control tower and hospital roof were completely demolished, and the power plant suffered significant damage, leaving the island without electricity.
Canouan, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
Canouan, an island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, faced severe devastation from Hurricane Beryl. As per the latest data published in the US Today news report, the hurricane affected the entire population of 12,600 people. An estimated 90% of the houses were either extensively damaged or completely destroyed, leaving many residents without shelter. Additionally, the police station in Charlestown lost its roof, exacerbating the crisis and hampering emergency response efforts.
Mayreau, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
Mayreau, a small island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with a population of about 300 people, has faced severe devastation due to Hurricane Beryl. Approximately 90% of the island’s housing stock and buildings have been either damaged or destroyed as per the US Today news report. This tiny community is struggling with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, making recovery efforts a significant challenge for the residents.
Palm Island, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
Palm Island faced significant damage from Hurricane Beryl. The island’s resort and desalination plant were particularly hard hit. The Palm Island resort, which housed 19 staff members during the storm, was nearly destroyed, with only two guest houses remaining intact. The staff had to seek refuge in a concrete generator room, which itself sustained damage. Additionally, the desalination plant, crucial for providing fresh water to the island, was also severely impacted.
Barbados
As per the data published in the US Today news report, over 40 homes in Barbados island have been damaged, with the number expected to increase. Fishing vessels have been particularly hard-hit, with more than 200 boats damaged. The coastal infrastructure, especially along the south coast, has been severely affected, leading to partial road obstructions. This extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl has disrupted daily life and local industries.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia has experienced significant damage, particularly in the southern regions, due to Hurricane Beryl. The hurricane brought powerful winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread flooding and structural damage in areas like Soufriere. As per the local news reports, St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a national shutdown for Sunday evening, closing schools and businesses on Monday as a precaution.
Trinidad and Tobago
Hurricane Beryl has caused significant disruption in Trinidad and Tobago. Power outages have been reported across both islands, leaving many residents without electricity. Tobago has also faced severe water disruptions, compounding the challenges for locals. Both islands are experiencing major roadway blockages due to fallen trees and debris, hampering movement and delaying emergency response efforts.
Bequia
Bequia, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, experienced significant damage from Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm. As per the data mentioned in the US Today news report, an estimated 10% of homes and buildings on the island suffered roof damage due to the high winds and torrential rains. Additionally, infrastructure such as schools and churches were severely impacted, with some losing their roofs entirely.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, faced significant destruction from Hurricane Beryl. As per the latest BBC report, the storm’s heavy rains and strong waves led to rubbish and debris piling high on its beaches. Infrastructure damage included disrupted traffic on Las Américas highway and power outages in various districts. The region suffers from widespread damage, evacuations, and disruptions to daily life as it continues to recover from this devastating hurricane.
Cumanacoa, Venezuela
Cumanacoa, Venezuela, experienced severe flooding and wrecked cars due to Hurricane Beryl, as per the latest BBC report. Located over 20 kilometers from the coast, the storm’s impact was unexpectedly harsh. Strong winds hurled cars into buildings, flipping and damaging vehicles across the town. The streets were left submerged in water, causing widespread destruction to both property and infrastructure.