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Hurricane Irma: massive damage across Caribbean as death toll rises to 13 – latest Hurricane Irma: massive damage across Caribbean as death toll rises – latest
(35 minutes later)
5.47pm BST
17:47
French officials have cast doubt on the number of fatalities on the territory of St Martin, saying they have confirmed four deaths but not the eight reported by local officials previously. The AFP reports:
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Thursday that four people were confirmed dead on the Caribbean island of St Martin ravaged by Hurricane Irma.
Local rescue officials and Interior Minister Gerard Collomb had previously said the death toll stood at eight.
Philippe said around 50 people were injured, including three seriously, on St Martin and the nearby smaller island of St Barthelemy. Twenty-one have been hospitalised.
He said officials were in the process of identifying the four dead, adding that no deaths were reported from St Barthelemy.
On St Martin, 60% of homes have been damaged so badly that they are uninhabitable, Philippe said, describing the disaster as “unimaginable and unprecedented”.
Power is cut across St Martin as well as supplies of potable water and petrol, he said. Roads are either partly or totally impassable, he added.
However the harbour and airport are back in use, he said, noting that a military plane landed on the island Thursday.
“The work will be long, emotions will run deep and the sadness will be great,” he said.
One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, the rare Category 5 hurricane started its deadly rampage on Wednesday when it made landfall in Barbuda to the southeast.
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On its current course, hurricane Irma is predicted to pass directly over, or quite close to, the British territories of Turk and Caicos on Thursday night, followed by a brush with the southern islands of the Bahamas and Cuba’s northern coast.
On Friday night, the hurricane is expected to land at or pass near the archipelago of the Florida Keys, an area ordered evacuated by the state’s governor, Rick Scott.
It’s unclear exactly where the storm will exactly strike along the coast. Scott warned that it could veer unexpectedly, and that its gigantic size means that the Gulf and Atlantic coasts alike are threatened by severe storm surges and category-four hurricane winds.
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Fuel has become such a scarcity in south Florida, and such a priority for governor Rick Scott, that police are escorting tankers and managing gas station service.Fuel has become such a scarcity in south Florida, and such a priority for governor Rick Scott, that police are escorting tankers and managing gas station service.
Scott said he wanted to avoid the lapses of hurricane Andrew: enough fuel to evacuate, to supply power during the storm, and to speed up the recovery in its aftermath.Scott said he wanted to avoid the lapses of hurricane Andrew: enough fuel to evacuate, to supply power during the storm, and to speed up the recovery in its aftermath.
How important is gas in South #Florida ahead of #HurricaneIrma?Tankers are getting escorts by law enforcement. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/6D98e3bA36How important is gas in South #Florida ahead of #HurricaneIrma?Tankers are getting escorts by law enforcement. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/6D98e3bA36
Troopers are directing traffic again at the West Palm Beach Service Plaza as drivers rush to get gas @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/1Wb9HnHhB6Troopers are directing traffic again at the West Palm Beach Service Plaza as drivers rush to get gas @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/1Wb9HnHhB6
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The National Weather Service branch of the Florida Keys have warned in the most severe terms that everyone should leave the archipelago, saying in a midday advisory that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.The National Weather Service branch of the Florida Keys have warned in the most severe terms that everyone should leave the archipelago, saying in a midday advisory that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
From the advisory:From the advisory:
The hurricane’s most likely arrival time is late morning or afternoon Saturday.The hurricane’s most likely arrival time is late morning or afternoon Saturday.
Storm surges of six to 10ft could push onto the islands, depending on the course of the hurricane.Storm surges of six to 10ft could push onto the islands, depending on the course of the hurricane.
Hurricane force winds – a minimum of 74mph, but almost certainly far higher – extend for about 100 miles across the storm.Hurricane force winds – a minimum of 74mph, but almost certainly far higher – extend for about 100 miles across the storm.
“There are no coast guard search and rescue assets left in the Keys. The Port of Key West is to officially close 8pm Thursday. The Snake Creek Drawbridge in Islamorada is to be locked down (no openings for marine traffic) at 8pm Thursday.”“There are no coast guard search and rescue assets left in the Keys. The Port of Key West is to officially close 8pm Thursday. The Snake Creek Drawbridge in Islamorada is to be locked down (no openings for marine traffic) at 8pm Thursday.”
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Florida governor Rick Scott has activated 3,000 members of the state national guard, with plans to activate the entire state force – 7,000 people in all – on Friday.Florida governor Rick Scott has activated 3,000 members of the state national guard, with plans to activate the entire state force – 7,000 people in all – on Friday.
“We are expecting our state to have major impacts from Hurricane Irma and we are taking aggressive actions to make sure Florida is prepared,” Scott said in a statement. “These men and women are putting themselves in harm’s way to save the lives of their fellow Floridians while many of their own families are evacuating. I am proud of their commitment to keeping our families safe.”“We are expecting our state to have major impacts from Hurricane Irma and we are taking aggressive actions to make sure Florida is prepared,” Scott said in a statement. “These men and women are putting themselves in harm’s way to save the lives of their fellow Floridians while many of their own families are evacuating. I am proud of their commitment to keeping our families safe.”
Earlier on Thursday, Scott pleaded with residents who have already prepared to help volunteer at shelters and distribution centers. In Key West, the police chief has warned everyone that after Friday, all hospitals will be closed after 7am local time, and there will be no helicopters available for people who choose to defy the mandatory evacuation order.Earlier on Thursday, Scott pleaded with residents who have already prepared to help volunteer at shelters and distribution centers. In Key West, the police chief has warned everyone that after Friday, all hospitals will be closed after 7am local time, and there will be no helicopters available for people who choose to defy the mandatory evacuation order.
UPDATE: We have run out of sandbags at 79 ST & Collins Avenue. If you are still in need, go to 5 ST & Ocean Dr. #HurricaneIrmaUPDATE: We have run out of sandbags at 79 ST & Collins Avenue. If you are still in need, go to 5 ST & Ocean Dr. #HurricaneIrma
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Death toll rises to 13Death toll rises to 13
Hurricane Irma killed three people as it battered Puerto Rico, with a 79-year-old woman, a younger woman, and a man among the fatalities.Hurricane Irma killed three people as it battered Puerto Rico, with a 79-year-old woman, a younger woman, and a man among the fatalities.
In a statement, governor Ricardo Rossello said that the elderly woman, who needed assistance moving, died after a fall en route to a shelter. A younger woman died in Camuy, on the north-west coast of the island, from electrocution in her home, and a man died from a traffic accident in Canóvanas, in the north-east.In a statement, governor Ricardo Rossello said that the elderly woman, who needed assistance moving, died after a fall en route to a shelter. A younger woman died in Camuy, on the north-west coast of the island, from electrocution in her home, and a man died from a traffic accident in Canóvanas, in the north-east.
Eight others were reported killed in French St Martin, as well as one person in Anguilla and an infant in Barbuda.Eight others were reported killed in French St Martin, as well as one person in Anguilla and an infant in Barbuda.
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For the first time in seven years, there are currently three active hurricanes in the Atlantic:For the first time in seven years, there are currently three active hurricanes in the Atlantic:
The category-five Irma, on course over Turks and Caicos, toward the southern Bahamas, and south Florida;The category-five Irma, on course over Turks and Caicos, toward the southern Bahamas, and south Florida;
The category-one Katia, gaining strength but stationary in the Gulf of Mexico;The category-one Katia, gaining strength but stationary in the Gulf of Mexico;
The category-one Jose, on a tentative path back toward Barbuda, Antigua, and Puerto Rico – the islands’ second hurricane in three days.The category-one Jose, on a tentative path back toward Barbuda, Antigua, and Puerto Rico – the islands’ second hurricane in three days.
11:00 AM AST Advisory/Advertencia #9: Hurricane/Huracán José. #prwx #usviwx pic.twitter.com/Fi075N8vO411:00 AM AST Advisory/Advertencia #9: Hurricane/Huracán José. #prwx #usviwx pic.twitter.com/Fi075N8vO4
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More than a million people in Puerto Rico still lack power, the AP reports, accounting for about 70% of the territory’s Electric Power Authority. There are about 3.4 million people on the island.More than a million people in Puerto Rico still lack power, the AP reports, accounting for about 70% of the territory’s Electric Power Authority. There are about 3.4 million people on the island.
Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rossello said Thursday that crews are investigating and until they know the extent of the damage, “it will be difficult to estimate how long the power outage will last.”Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rossello said Thursday that crews are investigating and until they know the extent of the damage, “it will be difficult to estimate how long the power outage will last.”
Rossello added that ports on the island are still closed, and it’s unclear when commercial flights will resume. Schools and government offices are scheduled to reopen on Monday.Rossello added that ports on the island are still closed, and it’s unclear when commercial flights will resume. Schools and government offices are scheduled to reopen on Monday.
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Storm surge watch for south FloridaStorm surge watch for south Florida
The major counties of south Florida – Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Colliers – have been declared under a hurricane watch by state officials. Irma is currently maintaining winds of about 175mph, well above the 74mph minimum for hurricane winds, and officials fear five to 10ft storm surges for southern coastal parts of the peninsula.The major counties of south Florida – Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Colliers – have been declared under a hurricane watch by state officials. Irma is currently maintaining winds of about 175mph, well above the 74mph minimum for hurricane winds, and officials fear five to 10ft storm surges for southern coastal parts of the peninsula.
11 AM Thursday #Irma update. Winds down to 175 mph. Still headed WNW at 16 mph. Forecast remains for FL impacts Sunday. #WESHwx pic.twitter.com/ajNQaIDvGD11 AM Thursday #Irma update. Winds down to 175 mph. Still headed WNW at 16 mph. Forecast remains for FL impacts Sunday. #WESHwx pic.twitter.com/ajNQaIDvGD
Monroe County officials say @FLGovScott gave out wrong number for Florida Emergency Hotline. Correct one is 800-342-3557.Monroe County officials say @FLGovScott gave out wrong number for Florida Emergency Hotline. Correct one is 800-342-3557.
UpdatedUpdated
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Shipping containers and boats piled up like toys, city blocks leveled, and buildings stripped of whole faces are just a few of the images published online by the Dutch ministry of defense from a helicopter flyby.Shipping containers and boats piled up like toys, city blocks leveled, and buildings stripped of whole faces are just a few of the images published online by the Dutch ministry of defense from a helicopter flyby.
The extent of damage, injuries, and possible deaths remains unknown from Dutch St Maarten; at least eight people were killed on the French side of the territory.The extent of damage, injuries, and possible deaths remains unknown from Dutch St Maarten; at least eight people were killed on the French side of the territory.
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The son of British billionaire Richard Branson, Sam, has posted several videos and photographs of the British Virgin Islands on his Instagram page. The images show buildings with their roofs torn from their walls, rebar and debris everywhere, and boats tossed into heaps.The son of British billionaire Richard Branson, Sam, has posted several videos and photographs of the British Virgin Islands on his Instagram page. The images show buildings with their roofs torn from their walls, rebar and debris everywhere, and boats tossed into heaps.
In a text post, Branson said there remains no power in Virgin Gorda, that some bays are flooded, 80% of Cane Garden Bay “destroyed” on the island of Tortola, and that winds and debris remain dangerous.In a text post, Branson said there remains no power in Virgin Gorda, that some bays are flooded, 80% of Cane Garden Bay “destroyed” on the island of Tortola, and that winds and debris remain dangerous.
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Airports in the Bahamas are closing as Hurricane Irma nears the islands, the AP reports, while evacuations continue from southern islands closest to the storm’s projected path.Airports in the Bahamas are closing as Hurricane Irma nears the islands, the AP reports, while evacuations continue from southern islands closest to the storm’s projected path.
The government says the international airport in Nassau will close late Thursday and it urges people who plan to leave the island chain east of Florida to check with airlines for space.The government says the international airport in Nassau will close late Thursday and it urges people who plan to leave the island chain east of Florida to check with airlines for space.
Grand Bahama’s airport and the less-populated island throughout the chain will close by noon Friday.Grand Bahama’s airport and the less-populated island throughout the chain will close by noon Friday.
The US National Hurricane Center predicted Irma would remain at Category four or five for the next day or two as it passes just to the north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Thursday, nears the Turks & Caicos and parts of the Bahamas by Thursday night and skirts Cuba on Friday night into Saturday.The US National Hurricane Center predicted Irma would remain at Category four or five for the next day or two as it passes just to the north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Thursday, nears the Turks & Caicos and parts of the Bahamas by Thursday night and skirts Cuba on Friday night into Saturday.
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The south Florida counties currently in Irma’s projected course have each provided services for shelters, evacuation, and supply information.The south Florida counties currently in Irma’s projected course have each provided services for shelters, evacuation, and supply information.
Florida’s state emergency services, with a “Know Your Zone” tool to see whether specific addresses are in an mandatory or voluntary evacuation area.Florida’s state emergency services, with a “Know Your Zone” tool to see whether specific addresses are in an mandatory or voluntary evacuation area.
Miami-Dade County, the most populous in the state and with mandatory evacuation zones along the coast.Miami-Dade County, the most populous in the state and with mandatory evacuation zones along the coast.
Broward County, where there are already several voluntary evacuation zones and operating shelters.Broward County, where there are already several voluntary evacuation zones and operating shelters.
Palm Beach County, where demand for fuel has outpaced supplies of it but authorities have created a number of shelters for residents.Palm Beach County, where demand for fuel has outpaced supplies of it but authorities have created a number of shelters for residents.
Collier County, with operating shelters and a local hotline, 239.252.8444.Collier County, with operating shelters and a local hotline, 239.252.8444.
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“If you’re in an evacuation area, do not wait to get out,” Scott says. “We can’t save you after the storm starts.”“If you’re in an evacuation area, do not wait to get out,” Scott says. “We can’t save you after the storm starts.”
The governor tells families they should “be aggressive” in steps to protect their families. “This is not a storm you can sit and wait through.”The governor tells families they should “be aggressive” in steps to protect their families. “This is not a storm you can sit and wait through.”
Despite traffic, he says that roads remain without major problems, and that state authorities are working hard to get fuel back to gas stations and to the public. “I’ve been very clear to the retailers and the oil companies that we have to get the fuel out so that everybody has the fuel to evacuate,” he says. “If you’re concerned you do not have the fuel or supplies to evacuate, call 1.800.955.5504, a dedicated transport hotline.”Despite traffic, he says that roads remain without major problems, and that state authorities are working hard to get fuel back to gas stations and to the public. “I’ve been very clear to the retailers and the oil companies that we have to get the fuel out so that everybody has the fuel to evacuate,” he says. “If you’re concerned you do not have the fuel or supplies to evacuate, call 1.800.955.5504, a dedicated transport hotline.”
Scott says that Expedia is helping provide hotel services for evacuees and Comcast internet services around the state. He says he has requested tarps, water, baby food, supply trucks, personnel and equipment from the federal government; mobilized the federal guard; and received assurances that “anybody that responded to Texas has been demobilized to come to Florida if we need them.”Scott says that Expedia is helping provide hotel services for evacuees and Comcast internet services around the state. He says he has requested tarps, water, baby food, supply trucks, personnel and equipment from the federal government; mobilized the federal guard; and received assurances that “anybody that responded to Texas has been demobilized to come to Florida if we need them.”
He makes a plea for volunteers to help with sandbags, shelters, and other state coordination efforts, saying Florida needs thousands more to help. Fuel is a particular priority, he says, not just for evacuations but to get the state’s services – hospitals, shelters, etc – back into working condition. “We’re going to have downed power lines, we’re going to have debris, we’re going to have all those typical things,” he says, recalling the slow and painful recovery from hurricane Andrew. “We’ve got to survive this storm, and then we’ve got to get backHe makes a plea for volunteers to help with sandbags, shelters, and other state coordination efforts, saying Florida needs thousands more to help. Fuel is a particular priority, he says, not just for evacuations but to get the state’s services – hospitals, shelters, etc – back into working condition. “We’re going to have downed power lines, we’re going to have debris, we’re going to have all those typical things,” he says, recalling the slow and painful recovery from hurricane Andrew. “We’ve got to survive this storm, and then we’ve got to get back
Scott fields a question about Lake Okeechobee and the threat of flooding. “This storm is moving fast so we will not get the same rain that Texas got,” the governor says. “The biggest risk with the dike at Okeechobee is rain.”Scott fields a question about Lake Okeechobee and the threat of flooding. “This storm is moving fast so we will not get the same rain that Texas got,” the governor says. “The biggest risk with the dike at Okeechobee is rain.”
He stresses, again, that no one should doubt the danger of this storm. “Every Florida family must be prepared to evacuate regardless of the coast you live on.”He stresses, again, that no one should doubt the danger of this storm. “Every Florida family must be prepared to evacuate regardless of the coast you live on.”
At my direction, @MyFDOT has waived all tolls across Florida roadways. This should help families evacuate quickly and safely.At my direction, @MyFDOT has waived all tolls across Florida roadways. This should help families evacuate quickly and safely.
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Florida governor Rick Scott has delivered a press conference to update residents about what the state is doing and what Floridians can do to protect themselves.Florida governor Rick Scott has delivered a press conference to update residents about what the state is doing and what Floridians can do to protect themselves.
Miami Dade county, the most populated in the state, should expect “deadly storm surge and life threatening winds”, Scott says. “We can expect this along the entire east coast,” he continues, with landfall in the Florida Keys as early as Friday night.Miami Dade county, the most populated in the state, should expect “deadly storm surge and life threatening winds”, Scott says. “We can expect this along the entire east coast,” he continues, with landfall in the Florida Keys as early as Friday night.
“Look at the size of this storm. It is huge,” Scott says. “It is wider than our entire state and could case major and life-threatening impacts on both coasts, coast to coast. Floridians on the west coast cannot be complacent. The west coast will still have hurricane conditions, and these storms can move and change.”“Look at the size of this storm. It is huge,” Scott says. “It is wider than our entire state and could case major and life-threatening impacts on both coasts, coast to coast. Floridians on the west coast cannot be complacent. The west coast will still have hurricane conditions, and these storms can move and change.”
“Remember hurricane Andrew was one of the worst storms in the history of Florida – this is much worse and more devastating in its current path.”“Remember hurricane Andrew was one of the worst storms in the history of Florida – this is much worse and more devastating in its current path.”
He has ordered mandatory evacuations for two zones in the county, and urged residents to check their zone with Florida’s emergency management authorities. There are also evacuation zones in Collier County and Broward County. “You do not need to evacuate out of the state or hundreds of miles away to stay safe. Find shelters in your county,” Scott says. More than 31,000 people have already evacuated from the Keys.He has ordered mandatory evacuations for two zones in the county, and urged residents to check their zone with Florida’s emergency management authorities. There are also evacuation zones in Collier County and Broward County. “You do not need to evacuate out of the state or hundreds of miles away to stay safe. Find shelters in your county,” Scott says. More than 31,000 people have already evacuated from the Keys.
We can expect additional evacuations as this storm continues to near our state.We can expect additional evacuations as this storm continues to near our state.
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In south Florida, gas stations have run out of fuel, stores of water, and hardware stores of plywood. Authorities are scrambling to dole out sandbags and other supplies to shore up homes, while people in coastal stretches are fleeing inland or north. Governor Rick Scott is due to give a press conference within minutes.In south Florida, gas stations have run out of fuel, stores of water, and hardware stores of plywood. Authorities are scrambling to dole out sandbags and other supplies to shore up homes, while people in coastal stretches are fleeing inland or north. Governor Rick Scott is due to give a press conference within minutes.
In Broward, one sky ahead, another behind pic.twitter.com/5QSERbvnvaIn Broward, one sky ahead, another behind pic.twitter.com/5QSERbvnva
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Hurricane Irma: what we know so farHurricane Irma: what we know so far
Hello and welcome to Thursday’s coverage of Hurricane Irma. Here’s a round-up of the latest news:Hello and welcome to Thursday’s coverage of Hurricane Irma. Here’s a round-up of the latest news:
The eye of Hurricane Irma, still a category 5 storm with sustained winds of 180mph (290kph), moved westward off the northern coast of Hispaniola on Thursday morning, its winds raking the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm’s projected path Thursday brings it almost directly over the British possessions of Turks and Caicos, followed by a course near the southern Bahamas.The eye of Hurricane Irma, still a category 5 storm with sustained winds of 180mph (290kph), moved westward off the northern coast of Hispaniola on Thursday morning, its winds raking the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm’s projected path Thursday brings it almost directly over the British possessions of Turks and Caicos, followed by a course near the southern Bahamas.
At least 10 people have been reported dead in the wake of the storm: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla and eight in the French territory of St Martin. Thousands more remain in shelters, their homes damaged or destroyed. In Puerto Rico, almost a million people are without power and 50,000 without water, according to the US territory’s department of emergency relief.At least 10 people have been reported dead in the wake of the storm: an infant on Barbuda, one person in Anguilla and eight in the French territory of St Martin. Thousands more remain in shelters, their homes damaged or destroyed. In Puerto Rico, almost a million people are without power and 50,000 without water, according to the US territory’s department of emergency relief.
Florida governor Rick Scott has ordered mandatory evacuations for coastal stretches of south Florida, including the vulnerable Florida Keys. Fuel shortages have begun at gas stations around the state, which only has two major north-south highways, and authorities have opened shelters in inland areas.Florida governor Rick Scott has ordered mandatory evacuations for coastal stretches of south Florida, including the vulnerable Florida Keys. Fuel shortages have begun at gas stations around the state, which only has two major north-south highways, and authorities have opened shelters in inland areas.
The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida early Saturday, though it remains unclear where exactly the hurricane will hit the mainland.The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida early Saturday, though it remains unclear where exactly the hurricane will hit the mainland.
On Barbuda, prime minister Gaston Browne said Irma had made 90% of the tiny island’s structures “literally rubble” and that half the population was homeless. On French-administered St Martin, local councilman Daniel Gibbs told a local radio station “95% of the island is destroyed”. French authorities have sent naval ships with supplies to the island.On Barbuda, prime minister Gaston Browne said Irma had made 90% of the tiny island’s structures “literally rubble” and that half the population was homeless. On French-administered St Martin, local councilman Daniel Gibbs told a local radio station “95% of the island is destroyed”. French authorities have sent naval ships with supplies to the island.
In Haiti and the Dominican Republican, authorities closed all schools. Haitian president Jovenal Moïse urged people in rural areas to head to shelters and out of the mountains. “The hurricane is not a game,” he said in a television address. On the Bahamas, prime minister Hubert Minnis ordered people to leave six southern islands, the largest evacuation in the country’s history.In Haiti and the Dominican Republican, authorities closed all schools. Haitian president Jovenal Moïse urged people in rural areas to head to shelters and out of the mountains. “The hurricane is not a game,” he said in a television address. On the Bahamas, prime minister Hubert Minnis ordered people to leave six southern islands, the largest evacuation in the country’s history.
Already one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, Irma held sustained winds of 185mph for over 24 hours before it slowed to its current speed, making it the most enduring hurricane since the 1960s when satellite monitoring began. President Donald Trump has declared states of emergency in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Florida.Already one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, Irma held sustained winds of 185mph for over 24 hours before it slowed to its current speed, making it the most enduring hurricane since the 1960s when satellite monitoring began. President Donald Trump has declared states of emergency in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Florida.
“Do not ignore evacuation orders,” Scott told Floridians on Wednesday. “We can rebuild your home but we cannot rebuild your life.”“Do not ignore evacuation orders,” Scott told Floridians on Wednesday. “We can rebuild your home but we cannot rebuild your life.”
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