Hurricane Beryl has swept through Jamaica after uprooting trees, ripping off roofs, and destroying farms in areas across smaller islands in the Caribbean over the past few days. The death toll from the powerful Category 4 hurricane has risen to at least nine people, but this number is expected to increase as communication is restored across the flooded islands affected by the heavy rains and strong winds.
In Jamaica, the storm struck the southern coast of the island, hitting residential areas with severe winds and rain while emergency teams evacuated people living in flood-prone areas. Prime Minister Andrew Holness told reporters that nearly 500 Jamaicans have sought refuge in shelters and urged people in at-risk areas to evacuate. He added, "We haven't seen the worst that can happen. We can do everything we can, as much as our capacity allows, and leave the rest in God's hands." Airports in the capital Kingston and the popular tourist destination Montego Bay have been closed.
