World
Hurricane Beryl’s Devastation in the Caribbean
Learn about the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, as communities grapple with destruction, loss, and the long road to recovery.
Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic, wreaked havoc across a new region of the Caribbean, leaving islands flattened and communities flooded before continuing its path towards Mexico.
Impact in Jamaica
In Jamaica, residents emerged from shelters to witness a landscape of destruction. Farmlands were devastated, homes damaged, and roads obstructed by fallen utility poles and foliage.
- Testimonial: “The whole place mash up,” said Steve Taylor, a resident of Mitchell Town.
- Damage in St. Elizabeth: The farming region of St. Elizabeth, also known as Jamaica’s breadbasket, suffered severe losses. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green described southwest St. Elizabeth as facing complete devastation.
Despite the severity of Hurricane Beryl, Jamaican officials expressed gratitude that the damage was not as catastrophic as anticipated. Prime Minister Andrew Holness remarked, “The damage was not what we had expected, and so we’re very grateful for that. I think Jamaica was spared the worst.”