Subscribe

0

United States Weather

Hurricane Beryl kills six, causes "immense destruction" in Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 storm on record, is nearing Jamaica after causing widespread devastation in the southeastern Caribbean, including six fatalities. Jamaican authorities are urging residents to prepare for the potentially catastrophic impact.

author-image
Aqsa Younas Rana
New Update
Hurricane Beryl caused widespread damage in Caribbean as the death toll rises to six.

Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 4 storm, is headed for Jamaica after battering the southeastern Caribbean.

Hurricane Beryl is rapidly approaching Jamaica after wreaking havoc across the southeastern Caribbean, claiming at least six lives and destroying approximately 90 percent of homes on an island in the Grenadines archipelago.

Beryl, the earliest storm on record to achieve Category 5 status, is anticipated to begin losing intensity on Tuesday evening. However, forecasters predict it will still be an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm as it passes near or over Jamaica on Wednesday and approaches the Cayman Islands on Thursday.

Why This Matters: Scientists attribute the storm’s rapid intensification to human-induced climate change. On Tuesday night, Beryl was located about 300 miles (480 km) east-southeast of Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (250 km/h). Jamaican officials have issued urgent warnings for residents to prepare by gathering provisions and securing their homes.

"I urge all Jamaicans to stock up on food, batteries, candles, and water. Secure your critical documents and remove any trees or items that could endanger your property," Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness posted on X. "Everyone, including those living alone, should take these necessary steps now. It’s better to be prepared than to regret not preparing."

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States confirmed that Jamaica is in the direct path of Beryl. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges to the island nation. Michael Brennan, the director of the NHC, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "We are most concerned about Jamaica, where we are expecting the core of a major hurricane to pass near or over the island."

Beryl has already left a trail of devastation. Three people were killed in Grenada, and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, according to local officials. Additionally, two deaths were reported in northern Venezuela, where five people remain missing. Approximately 25,000 individuals in that region have been affected by the heavy rainfall brought by Beryl.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hurricane Beryl approaches Jamaica as an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm.
  • Beryl's rapid intensification linked to human-induced climate change.
  • Jamaican Prime Minister urges residents to prepare for the hurricane's impact.
  • Beryl has caused six deaths and extensive damage in the southeastern Caribbean.
  • NHC warns of life-threatening winds, rain, and storm surges for Jamaica.

Weather hurricane