Hurricane Beryl leaves nearly entire island population homeless.

After Hurricane Beryl, nearly every building on Union Island lies destroyed or severely damaged, leaving the entire community homeless and in urgent need of international aid.

Pavel (Reporter)

July 03, 2024

1 minute

103

World

Surviving Hurricane Beryl's relentless assault on Union Island, Katrina Coy was stunned by the widespread devastation left in its wake. Almost every structure on the island off St Vincent and the Grenadines had either been flattened or severely damaged.

"Union Island is in a dire state after Beryl," Ms Coy lamented in a video message. "Almost the entire island is now homeless. There are hardly any buildings left standing. Houses lie in ruins, roads are blocked, and electricity poles litter the streets."

Sebastien Sailly, a fisherman and fishing guide, echoed the grim assessment. "Everything is gone. I have nowhere to live," he said, comparing the aftermath to a tornado's path of destruction. "Easily 90% of the island has been wiped out."

The shock and fear were palpable in his voice as he recounted sheltering with his family during the storm. "I wasn't sure we would make it out at all."

For Alizee Sailly, who runs a local hotel, the experience was harrowing as Beryl unleashed its fury. "We barricaded doors and windows against relentless winds and gusts," she recalled. "The pressure was immense, roofs collapsing, windows shattering, and flooding."

With essential infrastructure crippled and communications down, the immediate focus shifted to survival. Residents scrambled to secure makeshift shelters and gather necessities like water and food. Urgent appeals went out for aid ranging from basic supplies to generators.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines acknowledged the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Beryl, pledging swift government response despite concerns about resource limitations.

Sebastien expressed doubt about the island's ability to recover without significant international assistance. "This will take billions and could take a year or more," he estimated, emphasizing the need for military and coastguard support.

Katrina Coy urged the Caribbean diaspora for support in the face of this humanitarian crisis. "We're in desperate need of emergency aid—food, evacuation support, everything."

Reflecting on the resilience of the community amid profound loss, Sebastien found solace in the survival of his neighbors. "The material losses are secondary. The most important thing is that we're still alive."

As Union Island grappled with the aftermath, the focus remained on rebuilding shattered lives and infrastructure with the help of international solidarity.