Hurricane Beryl Leaves Devastation in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada
At least three people have tragically lost their lives after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The impact of the powerful storm has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with two reported deaths in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, according to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
“The possibility that there may be more fatalities remains a grim reality,” Mitchell stated during a news conference on Tuesday. Additionally, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced on Monday evening that at least one person had died in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a result of the hurricane.
The island of Carriacou and Petite Martinique bore the brunt of the storm in Grenada, with the eye of the hurricane passing directly through it. The aftermath has left the region in a state of crisis, with widespread destruction of homes, buildings, and gas stations. Prime Minister Mitchell described the situation as grim, noting that there is still no power on the island as of Monday.
The devastation has made movement in Carriacou and Petite Martinique highly restricted, as roads are impassable due to large quantities of debris. Gas stations have been destroyed, hindering heavy equipment operators from clearing the roads. The country’s coast guard is unable to reach the affected areas due to a marine advisory in Grenada.
In response to the crisis, a private aircraft will transport Grenada’s Commissioner of Police, members of the National Disaster Management Agency, and a technical assistance team to Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The prime minister has also requested helicopters from the region to aid in relief efforts.
“As a nation, we are coming to grips with the reality of the devastation,” Mitchell expressed. The communities in Carriacou and Petite Martinique face a long road to recovery as they begin to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl’s destructive path.