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Hurricane Irma wreaks 'major damage' in Caribbean Hurricane Irma wreaks major damage in Caribbean
(35 minutes later)
Hurricane Irma has caused major flooding and damage to buildings on several Caribbean islands, France says. Hurricane Irma has destroyed buildings and caused major flooding on several French island territories in the Caribbean.
The four "most solid" buildings on the island of Saint Martin have been destroyed, French Interior Minister Gérard Collomb announced. The four "most solid" buildings on Saint Martin, shared by France and the Netherlands, were destroyed, French Interior Minister Gérard Collomb said.
There was still no news of casualties and more damage was possible, he said. Communications between Paris and Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy are down.
The category five hurricane, the highest possible level, has sustained wind speeds reaching 300km/h (185mph) as it sweeps through the Caribbean. The category five hurricane, the highest possible level, has sustained wind speeds reaching 300km/h (185mph).
Live updates
The most powerful Atlantic storm in a decade first hit Antigua and Barbuda, before moving on to Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy - both French overseas territories.
It is then expected to move on towards Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In the US, Florida's Key West area has ordered a mandatory evacuation.
The French government said earlier it was worried about thousands of people who had refused to seek shelter on the islands.
In a statement, the interior minister said France was sending three emergency teams to the islands, two from France and one from Guadeloupe.
"The winds are going to turn in the other direction and there's a risk of further damage," Mr Collomb said.
There was no news of possible casualties, he said, adding that "more rustic structures" had "probably been completely or partially destroyed".
French Overseas Territories Minister Annick Girardin said the hurricane had caused major flooding in low-lying areas, and coastlines were being "battered extremely violently" by the sea.
Are you in the region? Are you a holidaymaker unable to get a flight home or a resident who has been preparing for Hurricane Irma? If it is safe for you to do so, share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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