Kingston, Jamaica – Residents of Jamaica are bracing themselves for the impact of Hurricane Beryl, a powerful storm that is expected to bring life-threatening conditions to the region. With rain, 145mph winds, and storm surge elevating coastal levels by up to 9 feet, the Category 4 storm poses a significant danger to the area.
The storm has already caused devastation in the eastern Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction as it made its way through the region. In Jamaica, high winds have knocked down power lines in Portland, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency and implement a curfew in the affected areas.
Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon announced that there are over 900 shelters available across Jamaica to accommodate residents, with an evacuation process in place for those living in flood-prone areas. As Hurricane Beryl’s eye approaches the Cayman Islands and heads towards Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the region remains on high alert.
Despite weakening from a Category 5 storm to a Category 4, Hurricane Beryl has claimed at least seven lives. The storm is expected to maintain its intensity as a major hurricane while progressing towards southern Texas and Louisiana over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada expressed shock at the “unimaginable” destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in his country, with 98 percent of buildings sustaining damage or destruction.
Relief efforts are underway, with disaster relief organizations preparing to assist nations affected by the storm in the Caribbean Sea. The climate crisis has been highlighted as a contributing factor to the intensity and impact of Hurricane Beryl, emphasizing the urgent need for support and aid for the affected communities.