Hurricane Beryl, the first major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean and is now making its way towards Mexico and the United States. The storm, which reached a peak intensity of Category 5, has already left a trail of destruction and fatalities in its wake.
Beryl has caused significant damage in Jamaica, where it brought 'devastating hurricane winds' and 'dangerous storms.' The National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded Beryl to Category 3 after it initially reached Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm's maximum winds exceeded 250 kilometers per hour, causing widespread power outages and structural damage.
In Mexico, Beryl made landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 2 hurricane, causing material damage but no reported fatalities. Mexican authorities have initiated extensive preventive measures, including evacuations and the establishment of temporary shelters. Nearly 2,200 people have sought refuge in 58 shelters, and over 25,600 members of the security forces and national electricity company have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts.
The storm has also significantly impacted other regions in the Caribbean. In Venezuela, Beryl's passage resulted in the deaths of at least five people and forced 1,400 residents to seek shelter after the Manzanares River overflowed. The Red Cross reported devastating scenes in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where two islands were described as 'destroyed.' The storm's impact extended to Grenada, where it killed three people and caused severe damage to infrastructure.
As Beryl continues its path, scientists warn that climate change is likely contributing to the increased intensity and frequency of such storms. The American Weather Observatory (NOAA) has forecasted an exceptionally intense hurricane season, partly due to the La Niña weather phenomenon and high Atlantic Ocean temperatures. The NHC predicts that Beryl will weaken as it moves over the Yucatan Peninsula but may reintensify as it heads towards the Gulf of Mexico.
- Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed relief that no lives were lost in Mexico due to Beryl, highlighting the effectiveness of the preventive measures taken. Authorities confirmed that power cuts were limited to three municipalities, and major tourist hubs like Cancun, Tulum, and Cozumel were not severely affected.
- In Jamaica, the hurricane caused extensive flooding and power outages, with over 400,000 people losing electricity. The Jamaican authorities have mobilized the military to maintain order and assist with disaster relief efforts. Evacuations have been carried out in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- The storm's impact on the Grenadine Islands has been particularly severe, with an estimated 90% of the islands affected. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported extensive damage and called for international aid to support recovery efforts.
- In the United States, the National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for Texas, where Beryl is expected to make landfall as a tropical storm. Residents in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas are advised to prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall.
