Barbuda's Hurricane Irma Death Toll And Devastation

Hurricane Irma was a devastating tropical cyclone that wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island of Barbuda in September 2017. With winds reaching speeds of up to 185 miles per hour, Irma caused catastrophic damage and left the island in ruins. The storm resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy and destroyed an estimated 90% to 95% of properties on the island. The destruction left the small island, which covers only 62 square miles, largely uninhabited, as residents were evacuated to the neighbouring island of Antigua.

A two-year-old boy was killed during the hurricane

Hurricane Irma was a devastating Category 5 hurricane that wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island of Barbuda in September 2017. With winds reaching up to 185 mph, it left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming the lives of at least three people on the island, including a two-year-old boy.

The story of this young boy's tragic death during Hurricane Irma serves as a poignant reminder of the hurricane's destructive power. As his parents attempted to flee the storm, their child lost his life. This incident underscores the urgency and danger that Irma posed to the residents of Barbuda.

The boy's death is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human toll of natural disasters. The loss of such a young life is a tragedy that affected not only his family but also the entire community. It is a stark illustration of how vulnerable we are in the face of nature's fury.

The death of the two-year-old also highlights the challenges faced by those who could not or chose not to evacuate. While the majority of Barbuda's residents were evacuated to the neighbouring island of Antigua, this young boy and his family were among those who remained. Their decision to stay put, perhaps due to a lack of means or other circumstances, ultimately had fatal consequences.

The impact of the hurricane on Barbuda was extensive, with 90% to 95% of the island's structures damaged or destroyed. The destruction included the island's only hospital, schools, and airport. The total cost of rebuilding was estimated to be over $100 million, a significant burden for a small nation.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the people of Barbuda faced a long and challenging road to recovery. Many residents were left homeless, seeking shelter in Antigua or returning to Barbuda only periodically to clean up and rebuild. The trauma of the storm and its aftermath also took a toll, with counsellors being provided to help survivors cope with the emotional fallout.

90-95% of buildings on the island were destroyed

Hurricane Irma's impact on Barbuda was profound and far-reaching, with the storm causing catastrophic damage to the island. The hurricane's high winds, which reached speeds of up to 185 mph, left an estimated 90-95% of buildings on the island destroyed or significantly damaged. This included critical infrastructure such as the island's hospital, schools, and both of its hotels. The destruction of these buildings, coupled with the impact on the island's water and telecommunication services, hampered relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.

The extent of the damage meant that Barbuda was rendered uninhabitable, with the prime minister, Gaston Browne, ordering a full evacuation of the island. This marked the first time in 300 years that the island was left without any residents, as all 1,800 inhabitants were ferried to the neighbouring island of Antigua. The evacuation was necessary not only due to the destruction of homes but also because of the risk of disease from stagnant water and issues with vermin.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda was not just limited to physical structures. The island's wildlife also suffered, with concern for the survival of the Barbuda warbler, the island's only endemic bird species. Additionally, the Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean, was inundated by the storm surge.

The recovery and rebuilding process on Barbuda has been slow, with the government facing financial challenges in funding the reconstruction. The estimated cost of reconstruction is around $200 million, and it is expected to take several years. Despite these challenges, life is slowly returning to the island, with some businesses, such as a restaurant, a bakery, and a supermarket, reopening and running on generators. However, even at its most occupied, the population on the island is estimated to be only around 250 people.

The hurricane left the island uninhabitable

Hurricane Irma left Barbuda uninhabitable. The 62-square-mile island, which is part of the dual island state of Antigua and Barbuda, was the first place to be hit by the Category 5 hurricane. Irma's winds reached speeds of up to 185 miles per hour, and the storm caused catastrophic damage to 90-95% of the island's buildings.

The hurricane claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and wiped out valuable nesting grounds for critically endangered hawksbill turtles. It also left the island's only hospital, schools, airport, police station, and Anglican church in ruins.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the remaining residents of Barbuda were evacuated to the neighbouring island of Antigua. Three weeks later, residents were allowed to return, but by December, only 350 of the 1,800 residents had come back. Many people were staying in shelters in Antigua, including a cricket stadium that housed almost 200 people for two months.

The prime minister of Barbuda, Gaston Browne, said that his government was committed to rebuilding the island, but that they "just don't have the resources". He estimated that it would cost about £50 million or $100 million to reconstruct the island, and this could take several years.

The hurricane caused an estimated $100 million to $250 million in damage

Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, leaving it in ruins with an estimated damage cost of $100 million to $250 million. The storm's eye passed directly over the island, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The impact of the hurricane left 95% of structures damaged or destroyed, with winds reaching up to 185 mph. The prime minister of Barbuda described the hurricane as "the most ferocious, cruel and merciless storm" in the island's history, underlining the severity of the situation.

The hurricane's wrath resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure, including the island's hospital, schools, and both of its hotels. The damage was so extensive that the island's airport and telecommunication services were rendered inoperative, further complicating relief efforts. The total losses in the productive and social sectors were significant, with the tourism sector accounting for 44% of the total damage costs and housing contributing to 37%.

The hurricane's impact on Barbuda's wildlife also raised concerns. The storm surge affected the island's Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean. Additionally, the island's only endemic bird, the near-threatened Barbuda warbler, faced an uncertain future as its population was already less than 2,000 individuals before the hurricane.

The cost of rebuilding Barbuda is estimated to be between $200 million and $300 million. The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, urged the international community for aid, stating that the extent of the damage exceeded the means of the islands. He emphasized the need for global human cooperation to recover from the disaster.

The slow recovery process was attributed to various factors, including the complicated land tenure system and the evacuation of residents, which made rebuilding far slower. Despite the challenges, efforts were made to upgrade building codes and construct more climate-resilient homes to better withstand future storms.

The hurricane claimed at least three lives in Barbuda

Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, claiming the lives of at least three people and causing widespread devastation. The storm's ferocious winds, reaching speeds of up to 185 mph, left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Among the victims of the hurricane was a two-year-old boy, whose tragic death occurred during his parents' desperate attempt to escape the storm's fury. He was not the only one whose life was cut short by this merciless hurricane; two others also perished, their identities unknown to us.

The hurricane's impact extended beyond human lives, as it also destroyed critical infrastructure and residences. Irma damaged or destroyed 95% of the structures on the island, including its hospital, schools, and airport now lie in ruins and officials estimate that it will cost more than $100 million to rebuild the island’s homes and infrastructure — a hefty fee for the indebted nation with a GDP of less than $2 billion.

The storm's wrath was not limited to buildings; it also claimed the lives of animals. The island's wildlife, including the near-threatened Barbuda warbler, suffered greatly. The hurricane's surge inundated Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean.

The aftermath of the hurricane left Barbuda's residents reeling. Those who had endured the storm by lashing themselves to their roofs or seeking shelter in wardrobes and cupboards now faced the daunting task of rebuilding their shattered homes and lives. The prime minister of Barbuda, Gaston Browne, acknowledged the immense challenge ahead, stating that his government simply lacked the resources for a rapid recovery.

The road to recovery was slow and challenging. By December, only 350 of the 1,800 residents had returned, with most people commuting to the island during the week to work on rebuilding efforts. The situation was further complicated by the fact that home insurance was not common in Barbuda, and many residents were renters. The absence of insurance, coupled with the prolonged evacuation period, made the housing situation precarious, leaving many residents with nothing to come home to.

Despite the challenges, Barbudans demonstrated resilience and determination. Celebrities like Robert De Niro pledged their support, and organizations like the International Community Foundation (ICF) stepped up to raise funds for the long-term recovery effort.

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