Devastation Caused by Hurricane Beryl in Grenada

As Hurricane Beryl made its way towards Jamaica and the Cayman Islands as a powerful Category 4 storm, the aftermath of its impact on two small islands in Grenada has been described as unimaginable and total by the country’s leader.

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, expressed the need to rebuild from the ground up after visiting the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which bore the brunt of Beryl’s force on Monday.

Reports indicate that approximately 98 percent of the buildings on the islands, home to around 6,000 residents, have been damaged or destroyed. Key infrastructure such as Carriacou’s main health facility, the Princess Royal Hospital, along with the airport and marinas, have been severely impacted.

As of Tuesday night, both islands were without electricity and facing communication breakdowns. The agricultural sector suffered significant losses with crops destroyed, while streets were left obstructed by fallen trees and utility poles.

The environmental impact was also substantial, with Prime Minister Mitchell noting the destruction of vegetation across Carriacou and the mangroves being completely decimated.

Despite the widespread devastation, the death toll remained relatively low. Three storm-related fatalities were reported in Grenada, with two occurring in Carriacou. Another fatality was recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and two deaths were reported in northern Venezuela.

Flooded houses in Sucre State in northern Venezuela on Tuesday, after Hurricane Beryl passed by. Officials said two deaths had been reported in the state.