morning saw Hurricane Beryl moving past Jamaica and heading towards the Cayman Islands after causing devastation in the Caribbean, killing at least seven people. The small islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were hit hard by the storm, with Carriacou being flattened in just half an hour. Rescue crews were dispatched to deliver supplies and assess the destruction.
Carriacou, known for its coral reefs and diving spots, and Petite Martinique, a fishing and boat-building community, have a combined population of 6,000. Jamaica and the Cayman Islands braced themselves as Beryl, a Category 4 storm, approached. This storm was an anomaly in an already busy hurricane season, becoming the third major hurricane in the Atlantic in June and the first Category 4 storm of the season.
Beryl became the first Atlantic storm to reach Category 5 this early in the season, breaking records. The storm’s rapid strengthening was attributed to above-average sea surface temperatures, hinting at a potentially dangerous hurricane season ahead. Quick intensification of hurricanes can be more hazardous as it gives less time for preparation and evacuation for those in affected areas.
As the Caribbean continues to recover from the devastation brought by Hurricane Beryl, the region is reminded of the unpredictability and danger of the current hurricane season. Authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared as the threat of further storms looms on the horizon.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com