#HelpBarbuda #BarbudaStrong #CaribbeanStrong #HurricaneIrma
- chavahranks
- Sep 9, 2017
- 2 min read
If you've been reading my blog you know I'm from Antigua and Barbuda🇦🇬. I recently decided to relocate here for a bit.
(Image by Stooge.Co)
Every year from June to November is hurricane season.
Caribbean islands are threatened by the affects of natural disasters, storms and hurricanes ranging from category 1 to 5. A Category 5 was the strongest hurricane experienced in the region until Hurricane Irma. Irma strengthened to a category 5+++ before heading for my beautiful islands of Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬.
(Image via Instagram @Roleeka (original source unknown) On Monday September 4th 2017 everyone was on hurricane warning and made preparations for possible impact.
By Tuesday September 5th 2017 there was no doubt she was heading our way and preparations were rushed to completion.
We all went to sleep hoping for the best but unsure whether we'd wake up with roofs, homes or to total destruction. Some how by the grace of God Irma shifted away from Antigua at the last moment but she didn't shift far enough away to spare our sister island Barbuda.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning #HurricaneIrma gave the island her worst.
At one point the island could be seen clearly (on storm tracking software)in the eye of the hurricane.
After Irma had passed there was radio silence. When the all clear was given most services to both islands were down. It took a while to get in contact with our sister island.
All services (water, electricity and telecommunication) are still down on Barbuda.
Hurricane Irma ravaged the island, Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne has declared a state of emergency.
He stated that the island is presently uninhabitable and 90% of homes and vehicles have been damaged or destroyed.
One death has been reported of a 2 year old infant.
(Images via ABS live Feed)
It has been reported that the Reef/Lagoon that protects the island and its people from the ocean has be compromised in two areas and it appears the ocean is slowly claiming land.
(Image via Twitter Observer Media Group. Credit: Peter Hallam)
Barbudans are presently being evacuated to Antigua in preparation for Hurricane Jose which is projected to be headed directly for the island again.
(Image via Twitter user Jime Hunte @DJJIME)
We are hoping for a change that will spare the island.
(Images via twitter users Zack Hadeed and Jime Hunte)
Barbuda has a population of about 1800 people that have now been rendered homeless.
Please keep scrolling for different options to help Barbuda and its people.
Individuals outside of Antigua and Barbuda:
Individuals in Antigua and Barbuda :
Spread the word every little bit counts.
It would be remiss to leave out my other caribbean brothers and sisters who became victims of #HurricaneIrma. Those islands include the US and British Virgin Islands including Tortola, Anguilla, St. Thomas, St. Martin and Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, I don't have any relief effort links for these islands that I am 100% confident in.
Individuals wishing to help other Caribbean Islands affected:
Finally be mindful when donating to accounts and gofundme pages. Ensure the creators are genuine and credible. You want your help to go to the right places.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
ChavahRanks
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