Venzuela's vice president almost killed by papaya tree
The first Atlantic hurricane of the season has cost six lives so far. In Venezuela, Vice President Rodriguez was almost struck by a tree. "Beryl" is expected to meet Jamaica on a Wednesday. The population is preparing for the worst.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was reportedly hit by a falling tree according to government statements. "She was in a Papaya grove when a strong gust of wind brought down several trees, one of which fell on her," said the president of the South American country, Nicolas Maduro, in a televised speech to supporters. "It caught her off guard, but she is conscious. She is strong. She has just written to me and sends her greetings."
Rodriguez had traveled to the Sucre state to oversee the damage caused by Tropical Storm "Beryl". The hurricane had moved through the Caribbean with wind speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour. The Manzanares River overflowed, damaging over 600 houses. The government deployed 3600 police and emergency responders to the region in the country's north and transported 2000 tons of relief supplies to the disaster area. The number of confirmed fatalities now stands at six. Grenada reported three deaths, St. Vincent and the Grenadines one. Two people died in Venezuela.
Vice President Rodriguez is one of the most influential politicians in the authoritarian-ruled country. She oversees the Sebin intelligence service, which is accused of numerous human rights violations. Her brother Jorge Rodriguez is President of the National Assembly.
Downgraded to Category 2
On its way through the Caribbean, "Beryl" has weakened somewhat. According to the US Hurricane Center, it was downgraded to a Category 2 storm. The hurricane was just below the threshold for Category 5 with wind speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour (Ortszeit) on Tuesday afternoon. However, "Beryl" is expected to pass near the intensity of a major hurricane over Jamaica or very close to it on Wednesday.
In less than 24 hours, "Beryl" had developed from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane over the weekend in the eastern Caribbean. The storm center made landfall on the Grenadian island of Carriacou and caused extensive damage. The full extent of the damage is still unknown.
Warm ocean water fuels hurricanes
"Beryl" is the first hurricane of the early June hurricane season in the Atlantic. So early in the season, which lasts half a year, such a strong storm has never been recorded before. At one point, the NHC measured wind speeds of around 270 kilometers per hour. A Category 5 hurricane is reached at 251 kilometers per hour. Due to climate change, warm ocean water makes strong hurricanes more likely.
Jamaica is preparing for heavy rain and wind, as well as an anticipated storm surge. The airports in Kingston and Montego Bay will reportedly remain closed starting from the night before. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged the population to prepare with water and emergency rations, and if necessary, to ensure their safety. According to forecasts, the storm is expected to approach the Cayman Islands and later the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula starting from Thursday night.
The International community has expressed concern over the potential impact of "Beryl" on Jamaica and other Caribbean nations, given their vulnerability to hurricanes. Despite being downgraded to a Category 2 storm, "Beryl" has caused significant damage in Venezuela, adding to the country's woes after years of economic instability.
