KINGSTON, Jamaica - Hurricane Beryl, now classified as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has unleashed devastation across the southeast Caribbean, claiming at least seven lives and leaving a path of destruction in its wake as it heads directly toward Jamaica.
Communications have been completely severed with islands in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the storm made initial landfall on Monday. Three fatalities have been confirmed in Grenada, along with three in Venezuela and one in St. Vincent.
Islands Left Reeling
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada reported widespread devastation, noting that Carriacou and Petite Martinique suffered the brunt of the storm's fury. "The situation is grim," Mitchell stated. "There is virtually no electricity across the islands, and the majority of buildings have been either damaged or completely destroyed."
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves described unprecedented damage, confirming at least one death with the possibility of more casualties as assessment continues.
Jamaica Braces for Impact
Jamaican authorities have issued urgent warnings as Beryl approaches with maximum sustained winds reaching 165 mph. The hurricane is expected to pass near or directly over the island on Wednesday, posing a severe threat to the entire population.
Meteorological officials have emphasised that this is not just a coastal event, with all residents advised to implement emergency preparations immediately.
Record-Breaking Storm
Hurricane Beryl has made meteorological history as the strongest storm ever recorded to form in the Atlantic during June. It rapidly intensified from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in less than two days, catching many off guard with its unprecedented early-season strength.
The National Hurricane Centre has warned of potentially life-threatening storm surges raising water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels, accompanied by destructive waves and catastrophic wind damage.
As Caribbean nations struggle to assess the full extent of the damage, regional organisations are mobilising relief efforts while meteorological services continue to monitor Beryl's dangerous path through the Caribbean Sea.
