One death reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following Hurricane Beryl

At least one person has died in St Vincent and the Grenadines as a result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The death was announced by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Monday night in an address to the nation.

“There may well be more fatalities, we are not yet sure,” Gonsalves said as he noted the devastation brought to Union Island, Canouan, and Mayreau in the Southern Grenadines islands by Hurricane Beryl.

Ninety percent of buildings on Union Island are either severely damaged or destroyed, Gonsalves stated.

The situation in Canouan and Mayreau is still unclear as communication with first responders is difficult. Despite the devastation, Gonsalves is thankful that many lives and homes were spared.

He said St Vincent and the Grenadines will start the reconstruction effort as soon as conditions are safe for first responders to begin clearing roadways and restoring power to cut-off communities.