Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, made its way through the Caribbean Sea towards Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on July 3, 2024. The storm had earlier caused devastation in Grenada and other islands in the southeast Caribbean, resulting in at least nine confirmed deaths. According to reports from various sources, Hurricane Beryl brought with it life-threatening winds and storm surge that were expected to impact Jamaica and the Cayman Islands significantly.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica urged all residents to take the hurricane seriously but not panic. In preparation for the storm, he advised people to secure their homes, stock up on essential supplies, and stay informed about any updates from local authorities. The National Hurricane Center forecasted that Beryl would pass near or over Jamaica early on July 4 and near or over the Cayman Islands later that day.
The storm had earlier caused significant damage in Grenada, where at least six people lost their lives. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reported that about 98% of buildings on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were damaged or destroyed. Three deaths were reported in Grenada, two in Carriacou.
In St Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves described the damage as 'immense destruction'. Union Island also suffered severe damage with 90% of houses severely damaged or destroyed. At least one death was reported in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Hurricane Beryl had earlier made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada as a Category 4 hurricane on July 1, causing widespread devastation. The storm then regained strength over the Caribbean Sea and became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.
The National Hurricane Center warned that Beryl was expected to remain a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean, with additional weakening forecasted thereafter. The storm surge along Jamaica's coast could be as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels, and its winds were forecast to decrease but still pose a significant danger.
The impact of Hurricane Beryl on the Caribbean region was a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such events. The storm also highlighted the need for timely and accurate information from reliable sources to help people stay informed and safe.
