Union Island Devastated By Hurricane Beryl: Urgent Call For Aid

After Hurricane Beryl hit Union Island, Katrina Coy on 2 July, a local shared a video message detailing the massive destruction. She reported that almost every building was damaged or destroyed, leaving most residents homeless. The hurricane caused extensive damage, flattening houses, blocking roads, and knocking down electricity poles.

Sebastien Sailly, a fisherman who has lived on the island for many years, agreed with Coy. He said Beryl was worse than Hurricane Ivan in 2004, destroying 90% of the island and leaving his family barely escaping harm. Alizee, Sebastien’s cousin who runs a hotel, described the harrowing experience of sheltering from the intense winds and pressure, which caused severe damage and flooding.

The island’s urgent needs are shelter, food, and water. People are using whatever materials they can find to make temporary shelters. They urgently need supplies like canned food, powdered milk, sanitary products, first-aid kits, tents, and generators. Communication is difficult, but Alizee has managed to send messages using the Starlink network.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines acknowledged the severe damage and suffering caused by Hurricane Beryl. He promised a quick response, but there are doubts about whether the government can handle the extensive damage without international help. Sebastien Sailly expressed concerns that rebuilding the island could take more than a year and billions of dollars.

Katrina Coy, head of the Union Island Environmental Alliance, asked the Caribbean community for help, stressing the urgent need for emergency supplies and evacuation. Her important work on water security was destroyed by the hurricane.

Hurricane Beryl hit as a category four storm with 150 mph winds, leaving thousands without power and many in temporary shelters across St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St Lucia. Despite the extensive damage, Sebastien Sailly found comfort in knowing his neighbors survived, valuing human life over material losses.