The Caribbean island nation of Jamaica faced the full force of Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, leading to at least seven deaths, flattened homes, and destroyed crops on smaller islands in the eastern Caribbean. Wind-whipped rain pounded the island as residents sought shelter.
Power outages in Kingston
Beryl’s eyewall hit the south coast of Jamaica, causing power outages in Kingston, the capital. Over 500 people sought refuge in shelters, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness warning that the worst was yet to come. Fallen trees and utility poles in Jamaica’s interiors disrupted roadways, and communities in the north were left without electricity.
Beryl’s impact on the region
Beryl also affected the Cayman Islands and was predicted to gain more strength. Flash floods and power outages plagued smaller islands, while Haiti and other Caribbean countries braced for the storm’s impact. Prime Minister Gonsalves of St. Vincent described the aftermath on Union Island as “Armageddon-like,” emphasizing the need for a massive rebuilding effort.
Early arrival of Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl’s rapid strengthening and early arrival as the first Category 4 storm of the year raise concerns about the role of human-induced climate change. The storm’s ferocity underscores the need for preparedness and global climate action.