Hurricane Beryl hits Jamaica with destructive winds, ‘life-threatening’ storm surge: Live updates

Officials in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica, are working to evacuate homeless people to shelters Wednesday morning, Mayor Andrew Swaby said. Jamaican Observer.

Their efforts have been successful so far, Swabi said.

“Here where I am, we have 32 men who were here… They got a chance to shower, we gave them some clothes and they are waiting for some food now,” he told the newspaper.

High winds have already downed power lines in Portland, Jamaica Observer Jamaica declared a disaster zone and imposed a curfew on Wednesday. Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said Wednesday morning that there were more than 900 shelters across the country and evacuations were underway for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

The eye of Hurricane Beryl is now approaching Jamaica, according to the National Weather Service. He said Moments ago.

The eye of the Category 4 storm will move toward the Cayman Islands, bringing life-threatening storm conditions this evening into Thursday morning.

Aid organizations are preparing to send disaster aid to Caribbean countries in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

“A Category 4 hurricane presents major logistical challenges,” said Cora Nally, director of international emergency response for the nonprofit aid organization Americares.

“It will take a lot of coordination between aid organizations, local partners and governments to ensure that aid reaches those most in need,” Nally said in a statement. “Based on our previous experience with similar storms, we can anticipate that survivors will need help with mental health support and replacement of medications lost in the storm.”

Sophie Powell, head of advocacy for UK-based non-profit Christian Aid, highlighted the role the climate crisis played in the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“The people who are scavenging through the wreckage of such a devastating storm have done nothing to cause the climate crisis,” Powell said in a statement. “The carbon emissions from these small, low-lying islands are tiny, but the consequences of climate breakdown on their lives are enormous.

Higher water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise, harm marine life and fuel powerful storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures are likely to continue rising even if we succeed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Island nations are on the front lines of the climate crisis, vulnerable to severe storms and sea level rise.

“These are the people who desperately need loss and damage financing to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” Powell added. “You can’t just adapt to a Category 5 hurricane destroying your home or killing your family.”

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Hurricane Beryl had devastated the country after it swept through with force on Monday.

“Although Barbados escaped the worst of Hurricane Beryl, the damage it left behind is still staggering,” Motley wrote on X.

“Today I toured some of the hardest-hit areas to assess the damage, engage with those most affected, and chart a path forward for how we can rebuild stronger and more resilient,” she added.

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will see similar devastating effects on Wednesday as Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm with winds of 145 mph, continues its path across the Caribbean Sea.

High winds from Hurricane Beryl have already downed power lines in Portland, Jamaica Observer A fallen power line in the town of Anchovy also caused a drop in electrical voltage in a house, according to the agency.

Officials declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew on Wednesday.

Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said Wednesday morning that there are more than 900 shelters across Jamaica and an evacuation of residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun.

Hurricane Beryl, currently a Category 4 storm with winds of 145 mph, is expected to hit the peninsula on Thursday after sweeping through the Cayman Islands.

The hurricane is currently off the coast of Jamaica, where residents are bracing for heavy rains and life-threatening storm surges.