Barbuda's Resilience: Rebuilding After The Hurricane's Destruction

On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on the small Caribbean island of Barbuda, damaging or destroying over 90% of its buildings and infrastructure. The island was immediately rendered uninhabitable, forcing the entire population of around 2,000 to evacuate to neighbouring Antigua. In the aftermath, the Barbudan government estimated that reconstruction would cost between $200 and $250 million. While some international aid was provided, including donations from the US, China, Britain, and Europe, the recovery process has been slow, with funding limitations and challenges in repopulating the island. As of November 2017, most homes were still without water and power, and only about 100 residents had returned.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda

On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 mega-storm, hit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, causing catastrophic damage. The storm's eye passed directly over Barbuda, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The hurricane caused the deaths of three people in Barbuda, including a two-year-old boy, and left the island immediately uninhabitable. It is estimated that 90% of the island's buildings were severely damaged, and the entire population of 1,800 residents was forced to evacuate to the neighbouring island of Antigua.

The effects of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda were devastating, with the small island being rendered uninhabitable overnight. The hurricane's strong winds, storm surges, and flooding caused severe damage to infrastructure, with more than 90% of buildings being affected. The island's hospital, schools, and both of its hotels were damaged or destroyed, and the island's sole airport was left inoperative, hampering relief efforts. The destruction of water and telecommunication services further complicated the recovery process.

The recovery and rebuilding process in Barbuda has been challenging and slow. The total damages to physical assets in Barbuda were estimated to be US$136.1 million, with the tourism sector accounting for 44% of the total damage costs and housing accounting for 37%. The recovery needs for the island were estimated to be US$222.2 million, with US$79.6 million needed to repair or replace houses. The slow recovery has been attributed to various factors, including a lack of house insurance among residents, complicated land tenure systems, and the evacuation, which made it difficult for residents to return and rebuild.

Despite the challenges, there have been efforts to help Barbuda rebuild and recover. The Antiguan government, international funding, and donations from various countries and organisations have contributed to the recovery process. China donated US$2 million, which helped repair rooftops and restore utility services. The European Union also provided US$5.8 million to support the reconstruction of homes with higher resilience standards. Aid agencies, such as Samaritan's Purse and the Red Cross, have also been active in providing equipment, medical supplies, and other necessary resources.

Evacuation and refugee crisis

Hurricane Irma hit Barbuda on September 6, 2017, with winds of up to 185 mph. The storm's eye passed directly over the island, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The damage was extensive, with an estimated 90% of properties damaged or destroyed, and the island was immediately rendered uninhabitable.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the government of Barbuda ordered a mandatory evacuation of the island, with all 1,800 residents ferried to the nearby island of Antigua. This evacuation was necessary due to the extent of the destruction, which left residents without basic services such as electricity and water, and the imminent threat of another hurricane, Jose, which was following a similar path to Irma.

The evacuation effort was challenging, as the lone airport on Barbuda remained closed due to damage sustained during the hurricane. However, a few vessels answered the call, and the port was busy as residents, with children, the sick, and the elderly given priority, made their way to Antigua.

The refugee crisis that ensued in Antigua was significant. The sudden influx of Barbudan refugees strained the resources of Antigua, impacting health, education, and social services. Many Barbudans stayed in shelters, including a local cricket stadium, while others were taken in by relatives, friends, or strangers. The government of Antigua worked to ease the burden by fixing up old hotels and buildings to provide long-term housing for the refugees.

The Barbudan refugees faced challenges in their new temporary homes. They had to deal with the trauma of losing their homes and possessions, the uncertainty of not knowing when they could return, and the difficulty of finding work and adjusting to new living situations.

The recovery and rebuilding process in Barbuda has been slow. The cost of rebuilding is estimated to be between $200 and $250 million, a significant amount for such a small island. While there have been some international donations and funding efforts, the lack of resources has hampered the progress. Additionally, there is a dispute over land ownership rights, with the government of Antigua threatening to take advantage of the reconstruction efforts to commercialize communal lands.

Rebuilding homes and infrastructure

Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the island of Barbuda, with the storm's eye passing directly over the island, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The hurricane razed much of the island, damaging or destroying 90-95% of buildings and infrastructure.

The recovery process has been challenging, with residents questioning whether the island will ever return to normal. The government of Antigua and Barbuda estimated that reconstruction would cost between $200-$250 million, an immense sum for a small island.

Housing

In the aftermath of the hurricanes, 45% of houses in Barbuda were uninhabitable, and 28% required complete replacement. The European Union donated $5.5 million to build homes on the island, resulting in the construction of 91 homes under the guidance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). However, this fell short of the original target of 150 homes due to transportation costs and local contractor fees that were not factored into the initial estimates.

The homes that were built are described as ""small unpainted concrete structures" by locals, who complain that they are not suitable for living. There are also concerns about the resilience of these homes, with doubts that they could withstand another major storm.

Utilities and Infrastructure

The power grid, phone lines, and water treatment plant were devastated by the hurricane. The Chinese government donated $2 million to help restore utility services such as electricity and water, and to repair the rooftops of over 407 homes. The European Union also provided $5.8 million to rebuild homes with higher resilience standards.

Transportation and Communication

The air and seaports have returned to full operation, and the ferry service between Antigua and Barbuda was upgraded with a new vessel, The Lady Caroline. However, the small airport on the island required repairs and refencing to become operational again. There were also plans to build a large commercial airport to facilitate international tourism, which caused controversy among locals.

Communication services were disrupted, with phone lines down and the need to reestablish connections.

Health and Sanitation

The Red Cross provided medical kits, enabling the consulting and emergency rooms at the Thomas Hanna hospital to reopen. However, there are concerns about contaminated water supplies, with all water sources on Barbuda damaged by the hurricane. The water and sanitation sector requires urgent attention, with an estimated $0.35 million needed for repairs and improvements.

Education

The hurricane destroyed six schoolrooms, leaving only the cement footing behind. The recovery needs assessment recommends retrofitting and improving the resilience of school facilities.

Economy

The tourism sector was heavily impacted by the hurricane, accounting for 44% of total damage costs. The government's focus on developing the tourism industry has been a source of controversy, with concerns that it is being used as an opportunity for policy changes and projects that would otherwise face resistance, known as "disaster capitalism".

The role of the international community in providing aid

The international community has played a significant role in providing aid and supporting the recovery of Barbuda after the hurricanes. The destruction caused by the hurricanes in 2017 led to a mass evacuation of the island, with residents seeking refuge in neighbouring Antigua. The international response to this crisis was multifaceted and involved various countries, organisations, and individuals.

One notable contribution came from the United States, which provided $800,000 of the $21.6 million spent on regional hurricane recovery efforts. This included "interventions in Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica". The US was also urged by members of Congress to offer temporary humanitarian immigration status to foreign nationals affected by Hurricane Irma, including those from Antigua and Barbuda.

China also played a significant role in the relief efforts. The Chinese government, through its ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Wang Xianmin, donated $2 million specifically for repairs in Barbuda. This funding was utilised in the Post-Disaster Roof Restoration project, which aimed to repair 250 house roofs to strengthen national building code standards. The project exceeded its target, repairing a total of 302 homes and essential facilities during the six-month relief and recovery initiative.

Other countries, such as Britain and European nations, also contributed financially to the recovery process. Britain pledged $4 million, while Europe pledged $5.8 million to support reconstruction efforts.

International organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Samaritan's Purse also played a crucial role in the relief efforts. The UNDP, in collaboration with the Chinese government and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, implemented the Post-Disaster Roof Restoration project. Samaritan's Purse provided equipment and water treatment units on the ground in Barbuda.

Additionally, the Red Cross contributed significantly to the recovery process. They provided medical kits, enabling the consulting and emergency rooms at the Thomas Hanna hospital to reopen. The Red Cross also estimated that over half of Barbuda's population, approximately a thousand people, had returned to the island following the relief and recovery initiatives.

The international community's role in providing aid and supporting the recovery of Barbuda was essential in helping the island nation rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of the hurricanes. These contributions from various countries, organisations, and individuals helped address the immediate needs and laid the foundation for long-term reconstruction.

The future of Barbuda: challenges and opportunities

Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on the small Caribbean island of Barbuda in September 2017. The hurricane's eye passed directly over the island, resulting in devastating wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The impact of the hurricane was catastrophic, with 90-95% of the island's structures damaged or destroyed, and the entire population of approximately 2,000 people forced to evacuate to the neighbouring island of Antigua. The future of Barbuda now faces several challenges and opportunities that will shape the island's recovery and development.

One of the main challenges Barbuda faces is the slow recovery process. Even months after the hurricane, the island remained largely uninhabitable, with limited access to water and power. The rebuilding efforts have been hampered by a lack of funding and resources, as Barbuda and Antigua are not territories of larger nations that typically provide relief assistance. While some aid has been pledged and provided by various organizations and governments, it may not be sufficient to meet the estimated $200-$250 million needed for reconstruction.

Another challenge is the dispute over land ownership rights. The unique Barbuda Land Act of 2007, which allows for communal land ownership and has preserved the island's pristine landscape, is now under threat. The government of Antigua has threatened to repeal this act to open the island to foreign investment and commercialize communal lands. This has created competing visions for the future of the island, with some arguing for the preservation of the local culture, ethnicity, and tradition, while others see an opportunity for economic development.

However, there are also opportunities for Barbuda to emerge stronger from this crisis. The focus on improving building structures and resilience can help the island better withstand future storms and reduce the impact of potential disasters. Additionally, the collaboration and cooperation between hurricane-hit islands, such as Dominica, has fostered a sense of human solidarity and mutual aid.

The future of Barbuda hangs in the balance. On the one hand, there is a risk of losing the island's unique cultural heritage and communal land ownership system to commercialization and foreign investment. On the other hand, there is an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient and sustainable Barbuda, preserving the local culture and environment for future generations. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities for growth and positive change.

The key to a successful future for Barbuda lies in finding a balance between development and preservation. By prioritizing the needs and well-being of its residents, protecting their unique cultural identity, and building a more resilient infrastructure, Barbuda can emerge from this tragedy as a stronger and more united community.

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