Guadeloupe: At least two dead from Hurricane Maria /update 6

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in Guadeloupe after the passing of Hurricane Maria. French officials confirmed that one person was killed after being struck by a falling tree on Tuesday, September 19. Media sources have reported another fatality and two people are reportedly missing after a boat sank near La Désirade island. Guadeloupe remains on a "grey” cyclone alert, meaning the storm is moving away from land but still presents risks. Officials believe that the situation will improve on the island within the next two to three days.

According to media reports, most buildings remain structurally sound but strong winds ripped off the roofs of a number of structures. Local officials said that at as of Tuesday, 80,000 residents were without power. Water sources are also cut and officials have asked residents to only drink bottled or decontaminated water. Significant telecommunication issues have also been reported and individuals have been asked to only use phones in emergency situations in order to keep the lines clear.

Many of the roads around the island remain impassable due to fallen trees and flooding. Access to Pointe-à-Pitre remains cut off as of Wednesday morning. Commercial flights at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) resumed at 06:45 (local time) on Wednesday but residual disruptions are anticipated. Authorities are asking residents to remain at home, if structurally sound, and keep roads clear for recovery operations.

Context

Hurricane Maria caused significant damage as it passed near Guadeloupe as a category 5 storm (on a scale of 1 to 5) in the early morning hours of September 19.

Storms are common in the region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak of storm activity typically observed in late August and September.

Advice

Individuals present in Guadeloupe are advised to follow all other instructions issued by the local authorities and keep abreast of weather forecasts and alerts.

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 and foodstuffs disposed of.