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| Version 38 | Version 39 |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Irma batters Bahamas as Florida evacuates – latest updates | Hurricane Irma batters Bahamas as Florida evacuates – latest updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 1.33pm BST | |
| 13:33 | |
| The Met Office reckons Irma is passing over Acklins island in the Bahamas. The island is home to more than 400 people. It is feared that more than 100 ignored evacuation orders. | |
| The eye of Hurricane #Irma now passing to the south of Acklins Island in the #Bahamas with winds near 150 mph pic.twitter.com/MZT41rF9ta | |
| 1.22pm BST | |
| 13:22 | |
| Brock Long, head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, warned that no one in Florida has experienced a storm with the intensity of Irma. | |
| Speaking at Fema headquarters in Washington on Friday, Long said those in low-lying areas who’ve been told to evacuate “need to get out and heed the warning.” | |
| More than 8,000 Fema staff have been deployed to prepare for Irma and help with the continuing recovery effort from Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in southeastern Texas last week. | |
| "I don't know anyone in Florida who has experienced a storm like this." @FEMA_Brock on impacts of #IrmaHurricane vs Andrew comparisons. | |
| Press conference, pro tip @FEMA_Brock "we're going to need neighbors checking neighbors" after Irma hits. #HurricaineIrma | |
| 1.11pm BST | |
| 13:11 | |
| The navy ship Mounts Bay has arrived in the British Virgin Islands, after delivering aid to Anguilla, according to the former governor John Duncan. | |
| Mounts Bay has now arrived in #BVI #Irma #HurricaneIrma https://t.co/xN3S5DNfPm | |
| 1.02pm BST | 1.02pm BST |
| 13:02 | 13:02 |
| Irma remains an extremely dangerous category four hurricane, but it has slightly weakened again, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. | Irma remains an extremely dangerous category four hurricane, but it has slightly weakened again, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. |
| Here are key points from the latest bulletin: | Here are key points from the latest bulletin: |
| Irma now has sustained windspeeds of 150mph (down from 155mph earlier today and 185mph on Thursday) as it heads across the Bahamas, 450 miles south-east of Florida. | Irma now has sustained windspeeds of 150mph (down from 155mph earlier today and 185mph on Thursday) as it heads across the Bahamas, 450 miles south-east of Florida. |
| Hurricane and storm warnings for Haiti have been lifted. | Hurricane and storm warnings for Haiti have been lifted. |
| Storm surge warnings and watches are in place for large parts of southern Florida, and the Florida Keys, the southeastern, central and northeastern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and four Cuban provinces | Storm surge warnings and watches are in place for large parts of southern Florida, and the Florida Keys, the southeastern, central and northeastern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and four Cuban provinces |
| A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Florida coast north of Jupiter Inlet to Sebastian Inlet and north of Bonita Beach to Anna Maria Island; and the Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tunas and Matanzas. “Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions,” it says. | A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Florida coast north of Jupiter Inlet to Sebastian Inlet and north of Bonita Beach to Anna Maria Island; and the Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tunas and Matanzas. “Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions,” it says. |
| On the forecast track, the eye of Irma should move near the north coast of Cuba and the central Bahamas today and Saturday, and be near the Florida Keys and the southern Florida Peninsula on Sunday morning. | On the forecast track, the eye of Irma should move near the north coast of Cuba and the central Bahamas today and Saturday, and be near the Florida Keys and the southern Florida Peninsula on Sunday morning. |
| The US states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have been warned of “life-threatening flash floods and mudslides” from next Tuesday. | The US states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have been warned of “life-threatening flash floods and mudslides” from next Tuesday. |
| Hurricane #Irma Advisory 37A: Now available on the NHC website. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM | Hurricane #Irma Advisory 37A: Now available on the NHC website. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM |
| 12.34pm BST | 12.34pm BST |
| 12:34 | 12:34 |
| Peter Walker | Peter Walker |
| Theresa May is to chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee this afternoon, Downing Street has said, and will then decide what more action the government should take over relief efforts. | Theresa May is to chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee this afternoon, Downing Street has said, and will then decide what more action the government should take over relief efforts. |
| There was also a Cobra meeting about Irma on Thursday, though that was chaired by the defence secretary, Michael Fallon. | There was also a Cobra meeting about Irma on Thursday, though that was chaired by the defence secretary, Michael Fallon. |
| May’s spokeswoman said: “She’s being kept up to date constantly by officials at Downing Street, and will chair the Cobra meeting later.” | May’s spokeswoman said: “She’s being kept up to date constantly by officials at Downing Street, and will chair the Cobra meeting later.” |
| The international development secretary, Priti Patel, is visiting an aid centre in Gloucestershire where supplies are being prepared to be sent to HMS Ocean, which has been diverted from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to help aid efforts. | The international development secretary, Priti Patel, is visiting an aid centre in Gloucestershire where supplies are being prepared to be sent to HMS Ocean, which has been diverted from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to help aid efforts. |
| 12.27pm BST | 12.27pm BST |
| 12:27 | 12:27 |
| Death toll increases to 18 | Death toll increases to 18 |
| Nine people have been killed and at least seven are missing after Irma hit France’s Caribbean islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, the French interior minister has said. A further 112 people are confirmed to have been injured, and all those tolls could rise, Gérard Collomb added. | Nine people have been killed and at least seven are missing after Irma hit France’s Caribbean islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, the French interior minister has said. A further 112 people are confirmed to have been injured, and all those tolls could rise, Gérard Collomb added. |
| Collomb’s statement raises the overall confirmed death toll to 18. | Collomb’s statement raises the overall confirmed death toll to 18. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.34pm BST | at 12.34pm BST |
| 12.11pm BST | 12.11pm BST |
| 12:11 | 12:11 |
| The Department for International Development has sent through a breakdown of the help arriving and on it way to the Caribbean after the UK was criticised for its slow response. It said: | The Department for International Development has sent through a breakdown of the help arriving and on it way to the Caribbean after the UK was criticised for its slow response. It said: |
| UK aid is on the ground from Mounts Bay. Shelter kits, tin sheets and plywood to help with response and reconstruction in Anguilla. | UK aid is on the ground from Mounts Bay. Shelter kits, tin sheets and plywood to help with response and reconstruction in Anguilla. |
| More going to British Virgin Islands from Mounts Bay | More going to British Virgin Islands from Mounts Bay |
| DFID are sending shelter kits providing immediate relief to people who have seen their homes destroyed and we arranging flights carrying further urgently needed relief supplies. | DFID are sending shelter kits providing immediate relief to people who have seen their homes destroyed and we arranging flights carrying further urgently needed relief supplies. |
| A team of British humanitarian experts were on the ground in advance of the hurricane and they are working with the authorities to direct the humanitarian response. | A team of British humanitarian experts were on the ground in advance of the hurricane and they are working with the authorities to direct the humanitarian response. |
| The UK was the first to arrive at Anguilla and DFID is doubling its field presence to get even more help to the people most in need. | The UK was the first to arrive at Anguilla and DFID is doubling its field presence to get even more help to the people most in need. |
| C17 flight to Barbados – has left Brize Norton. As well as 50 troops there is humanitarian aid (such as shelters,). More aid planned to go on later flights. | C17 flight to Barbados – has left Brize Norton. As well as 50 troops there is humanitarian aid (such as shelters,). More aid planned to go on later flights. |
| Today three trucks will be at the DFID Disaster Response Centre at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire to take humanitarian aid to meet HMS Ocean. | Today three trucks will be at the DFID Disaster Response Centre at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire to take humanitarian aid to meet HMS Ocean. |
| These trucks will take 10,000 UK aid buckets and 5,000 UK aid solar lanterns. | These trucks will take 10,000 UK aid buckets and 5,000 UK aid solar lanterns. |
| The UK has already sent emergency UK aid relief supplies including 200 shelter kits, each able to support a family of five, providing immediate relief to 1,000 people who have lost their homes. | The UK has already sent emergency UK aid relief supplies including 200 shelter kits, each able to support a family of five, providing immediate relief to 1,000 people who have lost their homes. |
| Former UN humanitarian chief Baroness Amos said it was felt the UK “did not respond” quickly enough. | Former UN humanitarian chief Baroness Amos said it was felt the UK “did not respond” quickly enough. |
| She told the BBC: “It’s always the people on the ground who respond first. They are looking to their national governments but they are also looking outside for as much help to come as quickly as possible. | She told the BBC: “It’s always the people on the ground who respond first. They are looking to their national governments but they are also looking outside for as much help to come as quickly as possible. |
| “We are now a couple of days in and I think people are feeling Britain did not respond quickly enough given we know that it is hurricane season.” | “We are now a couple of days in and I think people are feeling Britain did not respond quickly enough given we know that it is hurricane season.” |
| People in British Overseas Territories feel UK has not responded quickly enough to #Irma2017 ex-UN/ex-minister @ValerieAmos tells #BBCNews pic.twitter.com/EnfsDus42O | People in British Overseas Territories feel UK has not responded quickly enough to #Irma2017 ex-UN/ex-minister @ValerieAmos tells #BBCNews pic.twitter.com/EnfsDus42O |
| 11.59am BST | 11.59am BST |
| 11:59 | 11:59 |
| First UK aid arrives | First UK aid arrives |
| The first UK aid drops have been made by helicopter to the British island of Anguilla as more aid is on the way to the British Virgin Islands, according to the latest updates from the Department for International Developments. | The first UK aid drops have been made by helicopter to the British island of Anguilla as more aid is on the way to the British Virgin Islands, according to the latest updates from the Department for International Developments. |
| #UKaid shelter kits delivered to British island of Anguilla by @RoyalNavy #Irma https://t.co/UcYowRG7Qw | #UKaid shelter kits delivered to British island of Anguilla by @RoyalNavy #Irma https://t.co/UcYowRG7Qw |
| #UKaid is on the ground from Mounts Bay - shelter kits to help with #Irma response in Anguilla. More going to British Virgin Islands. pic.twitter.com/SAI6fxrBCf | #UKaid is on the ground from Mounts Bay - shelter kits to help with #Irma response in Anguilla. More going to British Virgin Islands. pic.twitter.com/SAI6fxrBCf |
| Meanwhile, Downing Street has told reporters that Theresa May is to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency committee Cobra to discuss the response to Irma. The first Cobra meeting about Irma was held on Thursday, and was chaired by Michael Fallon, the defence secretary. | Meanwhile, Downing Street has told reporters that Theresa May is to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency committee Cobra to discuss the response to Irma. The first Cobra meeting about Irma was held on Thursday, and was chaired by Michael Fallon, the defence secretary. |
| NEW; PM to chair #cobr meeting on #Irma this pm. Spokesman insists govt been swift in responding to British Virgin Island's call for help | NEW; PM to chair #cobr meeting on #Irma this pm. Spokesman insists govt been swift in responding to British Virgin Island's call for help |
| 11.50am BST | 11.50am BST |
| 11:50 | 11:50 |
| What we know so far | What we know so far |
| Hurricane Irma remains an “extremely dangerous” hurricane, but it has been downgraded from category 5 to 4 with slightly decreased wind speeds of 155mph (250kph), as it ploughs over the Bahamas, north-east of Cuba. | Hurricane Irma remains an “extremely dangerous” hurricane, but it has been downgraded from category 5 to 4 with slightly decreased wind speeds of 155mph (250kph), as it ploughs over the Bahamas, north-east of Cuba. |
| Captain Stephen Russell, of the Bahamas national emergency management agency, said he fears for hundreds of islanders who ignored evacuation orders. “The destructive force of a 25ft surge: that is our greatest concern. It can really cause catastrophic results,” he said. | Captain Stephen Russell, of the Bahamas national emergency management agency, said he fears for hundreds of islanders who ignored evacuation orders. “The destructive force of a 25ft surge: that is our greatest concern. It can really cause catastrophic results,” he said. |
| Two other hurricanes in the region, Jose and Katia, have gained strength. Jose, now has sustained wind speeds of 125mp. In the coming days it is forecast to pass near the same Leeward Islands that were battered by Irma. | Two other hurricanes in the region, Jose and Katia, have gained strength. Jose, now has sustained wind speeds of 125mp. In the coming days it is forecast to pass near the same Leeward Islands that were battered by Irma. |
| A full-scale hurricane warning is in place for south Florida and mass evacuations have been ordered before Irma is expected to make landfall on Saturday. | A full-scale hurricane warning is in place for south Florida and mass evacuations have been ordered before Irma is expected to make landfall on Saturday. |
| Cuba is evacuating tourists from coastal resorts and warning residents to move inland. | Cuba is evacuating tourists from coastal resorts and warning residents to move inland. |
| On Thursday night Irma crossed north of Haiti, causing less damage than had been feared in the beleaguered country. There were reports of some injuries and damage to buildings, but not widespread devastation. | On Thursday night Irma crossed north of Haiti, causing less damage than had been feared in the beleaguered country. There were reports of some injuries and damage to buildings, but not widespread devastation. |
| The hurricane also pummelled the Turks and Caicos Islands, where power failed and the governor, John Freeman, warned residents: “Hunker down, stay where you are … Nobody can get to you – people are, for a little while, on their own.” | The hurricane also pummelled the Turks and Caicos Islands, where power failed and the governor, John Freeman, warned residents: “Hunker down, stay where you are … Nobody can get to you – people are, for a little while, on their own.” |
| Across the Caribbean, at least 13 people are confirmed to have died in the storm: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, four in the US Virgin Islands, and four in the French territory of St Martin.Lonnie Soury, a spokesman for the US Virgin Islands, said the toll was expected to rise. | Across the Caribbean, at least 13 people are confirmed to have died in the storm: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla, three people in Puerto Rico, four in the US Virgin Islands, and four in the French territory of St Martin.Lonnie Soury, a spokesman for the US Virgin Islands, said the toll was expected to rise. |
| A state of emergency has declared on the British Virgin Islands amid unconfirmed reports of casualties. Roads are closes and communication is patchy. | A state of emergency has declared on the British Virgin Islands amid unconfirmed reports of casualties. Roads are closes and communication is patchy. |
| The first aid flight has reached the Franco-Dutch island of St Martin, after Dutch troops cleared the runway in St Maarten. Netherlands prime minister Mark Rutte said there had been enormous destruction and upheaval including serious looting. | The first aid flight has reached the Franco-Dutch island of St Martin, after Dutch troops cleared the runway in St Maarten. Netherlands prime minister Mark Rutte said there had been enormous destruction and upheaval including serious looting. |
| The UK and France have also mobilised personnel and aid for their overseas territories that were caught in the onslaught. | The UK and France have also mobilised personnel and aid for their overseas territories that were caught in the onslaught. |
| After complaints that the British government’s response has been slow, ministers authorised £32m in emergency aid and dispatched a military task group. HMS Ocean – currently in the Mediterranean – will be deployed but will take 10-14 days to reach the Caribbean. | After complaints that the British government’s response has been slow, ministers authorised £32m in emergency aid and dispatched a military task group. HMS Ocean – currently in the Mediterranean – will be deployed but will take 10-14 days to reach the Caribbean. |
| A voluntary evacuation began from the tiny island of Barbuda – where upwards of 90% of homes were destroyed – to its larger sister island of Antigua, with the prospect of Hurricane Jose, a category 3 storm, striking this weekend. | A voluntary evacuation began from the tiny island of Barbuda – where upwards of 90% of homes were destroyed – to its larger sister island of Antigua, with the prospect of Hurricane Jose, a category 3 storm, striking this weekend. |
| 11.18am BST | 11.18am BST |
| 11:18 | 11:18 |
| Terrorist suspects being held at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay on Cuba will not be evacuated, a Pentagon official has told Newsweek. | Terrorist suspects being held at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay on Cuba will not be evacuated, a Pentagon official has told Newsweek. |
| “We have no indications that any detainees at Guantanamo Bay will need to be evacuated from the installation due to Hurricane Irma,” Major Ben Sakrisson, a Pentagon spokesman told the magazine. | “We have no indications that any detainees at Guantanamo Bay will need to be evacuated from the installation due to Hurricane Irma,” Major Ben Sakrisson, a Pentagon spokesman told the magazine. |
| Officials have also opted not to evacuate the residents of the base, preferring instead to have them stay put and ride out the storm. | Officials have also opted not to evacuate the residents of the base, preferring instead to have them stay put and ride out the storm. |
| 10.57am BST | 10.57am BST |
| 10:57 | 10:57 |
| BVI Governor 'heartbroken' by reports of fatalities | BVI Governor 'heartbroken' by reports of fatalities |
| The Governor of the British Virgin Islands, Gus Jaspert, has delivered an emotional message to islanders saying he is “heartbroken” by reports of casualties as a result of the hurricane. | The Governor of the British Virgin Islands, Gus Jaspert, has delivered an emotional message to islanders saying he is “heartbroken” by reports of casualties as a result of the hurricane. |
| In an audio message on Facebook he said: | In an audio message on Facebook he said: |
| I come to you with a heavy heart after experiencing and observing the extent of devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. After consultation with the Premier I have declared a state of emergency for the territory. Radio and other communication channels are extremely limited ... | I come to you with a heavy heart after experiencing and observing the extent of devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. After consultation with the Premier I have declared a state of emergency for the territory. Radio and other communication channels are extremely limited ... |
| All of us have been affected by Irma and some more than others. Apart from the structural damage, there have sadly been reports of casualties and fatalities. I am truly heartbroken by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. | All of us have been affected by Irma and some more than others. Apart from the structural damage, there have sadly been reports of casualties and fatalities. I am truly heartbroken by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. |
| I know many of you are concerned about what will happen in the short term over the next couple of hours and days. I would like to appeal to you to remain calm and to reassure you that we are doing all that we can to assist you. | I know many of you are concerned about what will happen in the short term over the next couple of hours and days. I would like to appeal to you to remain calm and to reassure you that we are doing all that we can to assist you. |
| Jaspert urged islanders to monitor the course of the next Hurricane, Jose, which could hit the islands in the coming days. He said: | Jaspert urged islanders to monitor the course of the next Hurricane, Jose, which could hit the islands in the coming days. He said: |
| On its current track, Jose is predicted to pass north of the Virgin Islands, possibly as a Category 3 hurricane on Saturday or Sunday. If it stays north of us we will not be significantly affected. But if it comes any closer to us we will be affected and so our preparation and response efforts have to be immediate. We need your cooperation and your support to ensure that we can ramp up our operations in the event that we are impacted again. | On its current track, Jose is predicted to pass north of the Virgin Islands, possibly as a Category 3 hurricane on Saturday or Sunday. If it stays north of us we will not be significantly affected. But if it comes any closer to us we will be affected and so our preparation and response efforts have to be immediate. We need your cooperation and your support to ensure that we can ramp up our operations in the event that we are impacted again. |
| Let us all continue to help each other however we can and continue to pray for each other. May God bless and protect the territory and our people.” | Let us all continue to help each other however we can and continue to pray for each other. May God bless and protect the territory and our people.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.30am BST | at 11.30am BST |
| 10.42am BST | 10.42am BST |
| 10:42 | 10:42 |
| Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte says the runway on St Maarten has been cleared and first aid flight has arrived. | Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte says the runway on St Maarten has been cleared and first aid flight has arrived. |
| In a Facebook update he said there has been enormous destruction and upheaval on the Franco-Dutch island. | In a Facebook update he said there has been enormous destruction and upheaval on the Franco-Dutch island. |
| “Many inhabitants are devoid of basic necessities,” Rutte said. | “Many inhabitants are devoid of basic necessities,” Rutte said. |
| He added: | He added: |
| “We’ve been able to clear the runway at the airport and a first plane has landed. Our troops have been able to unload supplies at the port. We are now trying to get as much food, water and medicine as possible in the shortest possible time. | “We’ve been able to clear the runway at the airport and a first plane has landed. Our troops have been able to unload supplies at the port. We are now trying to get as much food, water and medicine as possible in the shortest possible time. |
| We need to hurry because the next hurricane is coming. The latest reports are that hurricane José is less powerful and Sint Maarten and will pass further from the island. That is some good news in all the misery. But we are prepared for everything and will keep an eye on the situation. We won’t abandon St Maarten.” | We need to hurry because the next hurricane is coming. The latest reports are that hurricane José is less powerful and Sint Maarten and will pass further from the island. That is some good news in all the misery. But we are prepared for everything and will keep an eye on the situation. We won’t abandon St Maarten.” |
| In a press conference Rutte is reported to have told reporters that there is “serious” problem with looting in the wake of the hurricane. | In a press conference Rutte is reported to have told reporters that there is “serious” problem with looting in the wake of the hurricane. |
| #BREAKING Looting situation 'serious' in hurricane-hit St Martin: Dutch PM | #BREAKING Looting situation 'serious' in hurricane-hit St Martin: Dutch PM |
| The Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws has published video purporting to show looting in the wake of the storm. | The Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws has published video purporting to show looting in the wake of the storm. |
| Video - plunderingen op Sint-Maarten na orkaan Irma. https://t.co/33ype6UZN2 pic.twitter.com/X0PXgMeZ7o | Video - plunderingen op Sint-Maarten na orkaan Irma. https://t.co/33ype6UZN2 pic.twitter.com/X0PXgMeZ7o |