Hurricane Beryl’s Path of Destruction

Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, has roared through open waters, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The hurricane, which initially crossed islands in the southeast Caribbean, has killed at least six people, with three fatalities reported in Grenada and Carriacou, one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and two in northern Venezuela.

• The hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.
• Beryl is forecast to still be near major-hurricane strength when it passes near or over Jamaica early Wednesday, near the Cayman Islands on Thursday and into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Friday.

Hurricane Beryl's Impact on Jamaica

The hurricane is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica, with officials warning residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for evacuation.

• Jamaica is in the direct path of Beryl, with the core of a major hurricane expected to pass near or over the island.
• Storm surge of 6-9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) above typical tide levels are likely in Jamaica, as well as heavy rainfall.
• Heavy rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.

Hurricane Beryl's Devastation in Grenada and Carriacou

Rescue crews in southeastern islands are fanning out to determine the extent of the damage Beryl inflicted on Carriacou, an island in Grenada.

• Carriacou and Petit Martinique sustained the greatest damage, with scores of homes and businesses flattened in Carriacou.
• There is no power, and there is almost complete destruction of homes and buildings on the island.
• The roads are not passable, and in many instances they are cut off because of the large quantity of debris strewn all over the streets.

Hurricane Beryl's Impact on St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has promised to rebuild the archipelago after Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction.

• 90% of homes on Union Island were destroyed, and similar levels of devastation were expected on the islands of Myreau and Canouan.
• Several people evacuated Union Island via ferry and arrived at the Kingstown Ferry Terminal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday.
• One of the evacuees described Union Island as being in a terrible state.

Hurricane Beryl: A Reminder of the Climate Crisis

Hurricane Beryl's destructive path has underscored the increasing severity of the climate crisis, which is pushing disasters to record-breaking new levels of destruction.

• The storm destroyed the home of U.N. Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell's parents and his late grandmother in Carriacou.
• Stiell has urged global action to address the climate crisis, highlighting its impact on communities around the world.

Hurricane Beryl's Impact on Grenada's Economy

Grenada, known as the “spice isle,” is one of the world’s top exporters of nutmeg. The bulk of the spices are grown in the northern part of the island, which was hit hardest by Beryl.

• Hurricane Beryl has the potential to disrupt Grenada's spice export industry.