“Almost Whole Island Homeless” After Hurricane Beryl

Union Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines – July 2, 2024 – Hurricane Beryl has left Union Island in ruins, with nearly all residents now homeless. The storm destroyed most buildings and critical infrastructure, leaving the island in a dire state.

Devastation and Desperation: Katrina Coy, a local resident, described the aftermath: “Union Island is in a terrible state after Beryl passed. Almost the whole island is homeless. Houses are flattened, roads blocked, and electricity poles are down.”

Sebastien Sailly, a fisherman, echoed her sentiments: “Everything is lost. I have nowhere to live right now. Ninety percent of the island – easily 90% – has been erased.” Having lived through Hurricane Ivan in 2004, he noted that Beryl’s destruction was on another level.

Alizee Sailly, who runs a family hotel, recounted the harrowing experience as the hurricane passed: “We had to push furniture against doors and windows to keep the winds from blowing them open. The pressure was so intense you felt it in your ears. Roofs and windows were breaking, flooding was everywhere.” The trauma from the event is still fresh, with many residents feeling overwhelmed by the extent of the damage.

Immediate Needs: The community’s immediate priorities are shelter, food, and water. Residents are trying to gather materials for temporary shelters. “Finding water and food is going to be tough,” said Sebastien. He has also lost his two farms and beehives, adding to the personal toll of the disaster.

Alizee emphasized the urgent need for tinned foods, powdered milk, sanitary products, first-aid kits, tents, and generators. She has been communicating via SpaceX’s Starlink network due to downed power and communications.

Government Response: Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves acknowledged the immense destruction in a morning address: “Hurricane Beryl has left in its wake immense destruction, pain, and suffering across our nation.” He promised swift action to tackle the post-hurricane priorities, but residents are sceptical about the government’s capacity to respond effectively.

Sebastien hopes for military and coastguard assistance. “This is going to take billions; it will take a year or more and is going to need international help,” he said. The community remains uncertain about the government’s ability to provide the necessary resources and manpower for recovery.

Call for Help: Katrina Coy, director of the Union Island Environmental Alliance, called for immediate assistance from the Caribbean diaspora. “We’re in dire need of help. Emergency kits, food, evacuation – all of that is needed now.” Her work on water security, vital for small island communities, has also been devastated by the hurricane.

Hurricane Beryl’s Impact: Beryl hit land as a category four hurricane with 150 mph (240 km/h) winds. Thousands remain without power and many are in temporary shelters across St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St Lucia.

Despite the devastation, Sebastien expressed gratitude: “The most important thing is that we are still alive, not the material losses. I was just pleased to see my neighbours were still here.”