Friday, July 5, 2024 Hurricane Beryl, one of the most powerful storms to hit Jamaica , left a profound impact on the Caribbean and beyond. The hurricane’s devastating effects are not limited to the immediate damage; they also have far-reaching implications for travelers globally and for the British travel industry. The storm, which initially hit Jamaica as a category four hurricane, led to widespread power outages, significant structural damage, and multiple fatalities across the region.
Devastation Across the Caribbean The hurricane struck Jamaica’s southern coast, bringing over 12 hours of heavy rain and causing extensive flooding, especially in rural farming communities. As Beryl weakened to a category two storm and moved toward Mexico and the Cayman Islands, it left a trail of destruction across several Caribbean islands, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Venezuela.
The storm resulted in at least ten fatalities, with three deaths reported in each of these countries and one in Jamaica. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the islands of Mayreau and Union saw almost every home destroyed.
Economic and Infrastructural Impact The immediate aftermath in Jamaica saw 65% of the island’s homes, about 400,000 customers, without power. The Jamaican energy provider JPS reported severe damage to infrastructure, including uprooted trees, downed light poles, and impassable roads. The MP for St Elizabeth South Western, Floyd Green, noted significant losses in roo.