Welcome to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica!

Hurricane Beryl, a fierce Category 4 storm, made its impact on Jamaica late Wednesday, causing havoc with intense winds and heavy rain. The storm had already caused devastation and claimed lives in the southeastern Caribbean region. The US National Hurricane Center reported that Beryl’s eyewall was “brushing the south coast of Jamaica,” bringing hours of wind-driven rain to the island as residents sought shelter as advised by authorities. Power outages were reported in many parts of Jamaica, including the capital, Kingston.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness mentioned that nearly 500 people were moved to shelters by Wednesday afternoon, emphasizing that Jamaica was yet to face the worst of the storm’s impact. He acknowledged the limitations of human efforts and put faith in divine intervention, stating, “We can do as much as we can do, as humanly possible, and we leave the rest in the hands of God.”

The government’s information service noted the disruption caused by fallen trees and utility poles on several roadways in the country’s rural areas, with power outages affecting some northern communities. Residents in Kingston had taken precautionary measures ahead of Beryl’s arrival, such as securing windows, removing boats from the water, and protecting roadside advertising boards from the strong winds.

As the country recovers from the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the resilience and unity of the Jamaican people shine through. Stay tuned for updates on relief efforts and recovery progress in the affected areas.