Barbuda's Recovery From Hurricane Irma: A Resilient Island's Journey

Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 hurricane that hit Barbuda in September 2017, causing catastrophic damage to the island. With winds of up to 185 mph, Irma destroyed 90-95% of the island's structures, including homes, schools, and hotels, and left the island's infrastructure inoperative. The total damage to Antigua and Barbuda was estimated to be around $136.1 million, with the tourism sector accounting for 44% of the total damage costs.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, all 1,800 residents of Barbuda were evacuated to the nearby island of Antigua, and it took several weeks for residents to be allowed back to the island. The recovery process has been challenging, with issues such as a lack of house insurance and complicated land tenure laws. As of November 2017, only about a tenth of the island's population had returned, and basic services such as electricity and water were yet to be fully restored.

The human impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda

Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on Barbuda, causing catastrophic damage to the island and its residents. The storm hit Barbuda on September 6, 2017, with winds of up to 185 mph, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The eye of the storm passed directly over the island, leading to widespread destruction.

One of the most significant human impacts of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda was the displacement of its residents. With 90% of housing destroyed, the Barbudan government declared a state of emergency and urged residents to evacuate to the nearby island of Antigua. Up to two-thirds of Barbuda's 1,500 residents were forced to flee, leaving behind their devastated homes and possessions. The evacuation was particularly urgent as another storm, Hurricane Jose, was approaching the Caribbean chain just days after Irma.

The storm also caused physical harm and fatalities. A two-year-old boy lost his life, and those who survived faced injuries and trauma. The strong winds ripped apart homes, and one woman described how her friend's house, just two doors down, was destroyed, resulting in the tragic death of her two-year-old son.

The economic and social sectors of Barbuda were severely affected, with total damages amounting to US$136.1 million. The tourism sector, which accounted for 44% of the total damage costs, was hit hard, and the housing sector, which made up 37% of the damage, left many residents without homes. The storm also contaminated important water supplies and damaged all water sources on the island.

The recovery process has been challenging and slow. The complex land tenure system and lack of insurance or clear roles in the rebuilding process have hindered progress. Additionally, the evacuation of residents to Antigua has made the rebuilding process more difficult, as people are hesitant to return to Barbuda. The slow recovery has led to questions about whether the island will ever return to normal, and locals wonder if people will ever come back.

The economic impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda

On the night of September 5-6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, struck the state of Antigua and Barbuda, causing widespread devastation. The hurricane's eye passed directly over Barbuda, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The hurricane caused at least 134 deaths across the Caribbean and the United States, including three in Barbuda.

The recovery needs for Antigua and Barbuda were estimated to be US$222.2 million, with US$79.6 million needed to repair or replace houses. In Barbuda, 45% of the houses were uninhabitable after the hurricanes, and 28% required complete replacement. Other urgent recovery needs included US$0.35 million for the water and sanitation sector, as all water sources on Barbuda were damaged and important water supplies were contaminated.

The hurricane also had a significant impact on the island's infrastructure. The island's sole airport was inoperative, and much of its infrastructure was damaged, including water and telecommunication services, which further hampered relief efforts. The destruction of infrastructure slowed down the recovery process, as it took time to rebuild and restore these essential services.

Overall, Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on Barbuda, causing extensive damage to physical assets, disrupting economic flows, and resulting in significant recovery needs. The total economic impact, including damages and losses, was estimated to be over US$150 million. The recovery process was challenging and slow, as residents struggled with insurance issues and the complexities of the land tenure system.

The housing situation in Barbuda after Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the island of Barbuda, with 90% of housing destroyed and an estimated $250 million USD in damage. The storm's 185mph winds damaged or destroyed 95% of the island's structures, including its hospital, schools, and hotels. In the aftermath, the Barbudan government urged residents to evacuate to the nearby island of Antigua, and two weeks after the hurricane, a state of emergency was declared.

The housing situation in Barbuda was dire, with only 350 of the 1,800 residents returning by December, five months after the hurricane. Many residents were staying in shelters in Antigua, such as the Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium, which housed 142 people. Home insurance was not common in Barbuda, and many residents were renters, further complicating the recovery process. The prolonged absence of residents from the island also led to issues with property damage, as rain and mould destroyed belongings.

The recovery and rebuilding efforts in Barbuda faced challenges due to the lack of house insurance and the complicated land tenure system. The government of Antigua and Barbuda requested support from the World Bank Group to conduct a recovery needs assessment, which estimated that 45% of houses in Barbuda were uninhabitable, and 28% required complete replacement. The total damages to the housing sector were estimated at US$79.6 million.

Despite the challenges, local leaders remained dedicated to motivating Barbudans to return to the island and rebuild their homes and community. The government committed to rebuilding the island, with a focus on constructing more climate-resilient homes. However, the slow progress prompted criticism and concerns about the government's intentions, especially regarding land ownership and development.

The role of the government in Barbuda's recovery

Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the small Caribbean island of Barbuda, leaving it in ruins and largely uninhabitable. The storm's eye passed directly over the island, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. With 90% of housing destroyed, the government of Antigua and Barbuda declared a state of emergency and urged residents to evacuate to the nearby island of Antigua. This evacuation order, coupled with the devastation caused by the hurricane, slowed down the recovery process.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda played a crucial role in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. They requested support from the World Bank Group to undertake a recovery needs assessment, collaborating with organizations like the United Nations, European Union, Caribbean Development Bank, and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. The assessment identified priority actions, including repairing or replacing houses, addressing water and sanitation issues, and improving disaster risk information and emergency communications.

The government also received pledges for reconstruction aid, totaling more than $200 million. However, the recovery process has been challenging due to the complex land tenure system in Barbuda and the rivalry between Antigua and Barbuda, with Antigua objecting to their taxes being used for repairs. Additionally, the government's focus on building climate-resilient homes and the need for financial resources have slowed down the rebuilding process.

Some members of the Barbudan People's Movement have criticized the government for the slow recovery, accusing them of using the hurricane to consolidate power over land. They also questioned the government's decision to resume work on a large commercial airport while the small airport remained non-operational.

Despite the challenges, the government has made progress in restoring essential services. Electricity and water have been restored to Barbuda, although most homes are yet to be connected to the grids. The government is committed to rebuilding the island, but the lack of resources remains an issue.

In conclusion, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has played a crucial role in the recovery of Barbuda after Hurricane Irma. While their efforts have been commendable, the complex dynamics and lack of resources have slowed down the process. The government's commitment to rebuilding and the support from international organizations provide hope for the future of Barbuda.

The international response to Barbuda's recovery

The international community has provided aid and assistance to Barbuda in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The British, Dutch, French, and US governments sent warships and planes with supplies and personnel to the region. International leaders, including Dutch King Willem-Alexander and French President Emmanuel Macron, visited affected territories.

Cuba, despite sustaining extensive damage from the storm, sent 750 health workers to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other affected Caribbean nations. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services granted special 30-day humanitarian visas for British Virgin Islanders to stay in Puerto Rico. Hundreds of people stranded on Saint Martin were flown to the Dominican Republic for humanitarian reasons.

The UK government provided support and relief to Anguilla, with helicopters, marines, army engineers, and emergency aid. The UK also sent nearly 500 military personnel and emergency relief to the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands. The UK government also drafted police officers to the region to help maintain order. By September 12, the UK had delivered over 40 tonnes of aid to the region, and 1,000 military troops were deployed as part of relief efforts. The UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, pledged an additional £25 million in funding.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed response teams to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Supplies, including food rations, medical supplies, and blankets, were distributed.

The Dominican Republic activated the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, providing humanitarian satellite coverage. The US and Haiti followed suit. Haiti's government officials and aid organisations struggled with early preparation and evacuation efforts. The United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti prepared 1,000 peacekeepers and engineers to assist.

The role of non-governmental organisations

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also played a crucial role in the international response to Barbuda's recovery. Samaritan's Purse provided equipment and water treatment units, while the Red Cross brought medical kits, enabling the consulting and emergency rooms at the Thomas Hanna hospital to reopen. UNICEF provided tents, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, blankets, and potable water containers for displaced families and communities in Barbuda and other affected islands.

The International Community Foundation (ICF) is dedicated to raising funds to help rebuild Barbuda, recognising that the effort will take years. The ICF has established the Barbuda Recovery & Conservation Trust (BRCT) as its emergency relief fund and is working with the local government to coordinate efforts.

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