Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean: Update on St Vincent and the Grenadines

Hurricane Beryl has caused extensive damage throughout the Caribbean, killing at least eight people, and severely damaging thousands of homes and other property.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, Union Island, Canouan, Mayreau and Petit St Vincent were directly impacted by the storm’s strong winds and heavy rain. 

On these islands 80%-90% of homes and buildings have been badly damaged or destroyed and communication has been almost completely cut off. Some people are also without water and one person died.

The Government of St Vincent has set up a Disaster Relief Fund for cash donations which can be sent directly to the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (see image below for details).

Various other items are also needed including generators, hygiene kits, flashlights with batteries, adult and child pampers, shovels and wheelbarrows.

Speaking during a press briefing, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, said Beryl "left in its wake immense destruction." He later described the hurricane’s impact on the island chain as “horrific and horrendous”. Over 1,000 people have been forced to evacuate to the mainland following hurricane Beryl.

The International community is sending various supplies and funds to help the Caribbean cope with the relief and clean-up operation. The European Union has donated 450,000 euros to SVG and Grenada and Taiwan will provide $200,000 (US).

Sources: St Vincent Times, iWitnessNews, CNN, BBC News, and Al Jazeera.