"Beryl" approaches the US coast
Several Caribbean islands have been left in the path of destruction by Hurricane "Beryl." Now, the US state of Texas is gearing up for the threat. Over the Gulf of Mexico, "Beryl" may regain hurricane strength. Coastal areas are at risk.
Hurricane "Beryl" is steering towards the US Gulf Coast and North Mexico. After its devastating passage as a major hurricane through the Caribbean, it is now moving northwestward over the Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm. It is predicted to regain hurricane strength just off the coast between the US and Mexico by Sunday, according to the US Hurricane Center.
The US state of Texas is reportedly facing dangerous wind damages and storm surges, according to meteorologists. Texas authorities have urged coastal residents to prepare for the storm. Currently, "Beryl" is still hundreds of kilometers away from the threatened areas along the border between the US and Mexico.
Power outages in Mexico
"Beryl" hit Mexico as a Hurricane 2 with sustained winds of up to 175 kilometers per hour near the resort town of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday. Its strong winds caused extensive damages: trees and road signs fell, and in many parts of the popular vacation region, the power went out. However, the destruction was less drastic than anticipated. No fatalities were reported initially.
Before hitting Mexico, "Beryl" had wreaked havoc over several Caribbean islands and left a trail of destruction in its wake. At least eleven people were reported dead, and on some Caribbean islands, more than 90% of the houses were damaged or destroyed according to the UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Events Database (OCHA) in Geneva. At one point, "Beryl" was a Category 5 hurricane with winds of around 270 kilometers per hour. In Jamaica, according to JPS, the power company, more than half of the households are still without electricity. OCHA reports that 40,000 people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 100,000 in Grenada, and 120,000 in Jamaica have been affected by the storm's aftermath. This is the earliest in the Atlantic hurricane season that such a powerful storm has been recorded. The season starts in June and lasts for half a year. Warmer ocean waters due to climate change increase the likelihood of strong hurricanes.
The International Red Cross has mobilized resources to aid affected areas in Mexico and Caribbean nations, recognizing the extensive damage caused by Hurricane "Beryl". With Texas also in the path of the storm, the USA is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential impacts. Further north, extreme weather conditions and hurricane-force winds pose a significant threat to both nations. According to meteorologists, the storm surge could reach up to 3 meters in some areas, posing a severe risk to coastal communities.
