The Caribbean region has been hit hard by Hurricane Beryl, with at least seven confirmed deaths in Grenada, Venezuela, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The hurricane reached Category 5 status, making it the strongest hurricane in the history of the Atlantic in June. The storm caused widespread destruction, including landslides, destroyed houses, and power outages.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reported three deaths in the coastal state of Sucre, where Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was injured. Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell confirmed three deaths on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, where Beryl had passed through as a level 4 hurricane. In addition, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reported deaths and significant damage to homes on Union Island.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued warnings about the hurricane’s approach to Jamaica, with winds expected to reach up to 240 km/h and waves up to three meters high. The United Nations has mobilized resources to support the affected countries and expressed particular concern about Haiti’s vulnerability.
Hurricane Beryl, which achieved Category 5 status on Monday, is the earliest recorded hurricane of this magnitude since 1966. The storm poses significant risks to the region, and emergency response teams are on high alert to provide assistance to those in need.