St. Martin/St. Barth: Islands recover from Hurricane Irma September 11 /update 5

Event

Hurricane Irma struck Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy leaving a trail of destruction as both islands found themselves in the eye of the hurricane around midday (local time) on Wednesday, September 6. Both islands were placed under a violet alert – the maximum level of alert – as strong winds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), torrential rain, and large storm swells ravaged the Antilles islands, killing at least ten people in Saint Martin and destroying some 95% of the island. Both islands were placed under a second violet alert on Saturday in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Jose, a category 4 storm. However, the latter passed some 135 km (84 mi) from Saint Barthélemy and 125 km (77 mi) from Saint Martin, bringing milder winds (between 40 to 80 km/h [25 to 50 mph]).

As of Monday, September 11, Hurricane Irma has weakened into a Category 1 storm, although storm surges are forecasted throughout the upcoming days on both islands, according to the French national meteorological agency (Météo France). Authorities are actively working to restore electricity and water, as well as law and order. As of Monday, at least 1000 people from Saint Martin have been evacuated to the neighboring island of Guadeloupe, and more are expected to follow in the next 24 to 48 hours.

“Emergency electricity” has been restored in both Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, notably supplying the islands’ hospitals as well as the airport in Saint Barthélemy (SBH). According to media reports, electricity has been further restored in some areas of Saint Martin after significant supplies arrived on Sunday. However, according to the CEO of EDF, France’s national electricity supplier, restoring power throughout the islands will take months.

The distribution of water continues to pose a major concern. Some million liters of water are set to be distributed on Monday. In Saint Martin, water has been cut off in order avoid sea water contaminating the hydraulic system. As such, the sanitary situation remains precarious. Saint Martin hospital has been largely destroyed by the hurricane, as well as eight of the island’s 11 pharmacies. At least 105 wounded individuals have been evacuated to Guadeloupe.

Security remains an ongoing concern in Saint Martin where pillages and thefts have been reported. Although some 2000 security forces and rescue workers have been deployed as of Monday, residents continue to denounce the lack of law and order. At least a dozen people were detained over the weekend on grounds of theft and a nightly curfew is in effect until Wednesday, from 19h00 (local time) to 07:00.

Meanwhile, Radio-France has created an emergency radio station - Urgence Info Îles du Nord - for the islands. It was successfully diffused on Sunday in Saint Martin providing residents with local weather reports, information regarding security, health, the distribution of water and food, and the state of telecommunications networks. Authorities are still working to establish a radio connection in Saint Barthélemy.

Finally, air transport has progressively resumed. Saint Martin’s International Airport (SFG) has reopened with many flights departing on Sunday evening. However, only the most vulnerable are currently allowed to fly out with priority given to women, children, and injured or ill people.

Context

Irma became the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic basin (outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico) on record as of Tuesday morning. At least 25 people have been killed across the Caribbean as a result of Hurricane Irma, including four in the US Virgin Islands. At least three individuals in Florida have also been killed.

Advice

Individuals present in Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal and mountainous areas (risk of flooding and landslides), and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.