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Hurricane Irma: death toll rises as Trump warns of 'epic' storm – latest updates Hurricane Irma: Florida braces for epic storm as death toll hits 23 – latest updates
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The UN’s special representative for disaster risk reduction, Robert Glasser, has joined the chorus of voices linking the extraordinary frequency and force of weather events – huge hurricanes, wildfires across the American west, flooding in Nigeria and India – to the exacerbating effect of climate change.
“There can be little doubt that 2017 is turning into a year of historic significance,” Glasser said, “in the struggle against climate change and all the other risks that put human life in danger and threaten the peace and security of exposed and vulnerable communities around the world who find themselves in harm’s way from hurricanes, floods and earthquakes.”
We must realise that these disaster events are not natural phenomena but are a result of a built environment which is not fit for purpose and a failure to understand how we are intensifying the cocktail of disaster risk by not adequately addressing poverty, land use, building codes, environmental degradation, population growth in exposed in vulnerable settings and, most fundamentally, greenhouse gas emissions.
The floods and monsoon rains across South Asia, deadly landslides and drought in Africa, the impact of four major Atlantic hurricanes, a major earthquake in Mexico with a tsunami threat to central America vividly demonstrate that we need to redouble our efforts to reduce the impact of such events in the future. They are a reminder to us all that the worst disasters which could happen have not happened yet.
“If we do not succeed in understanding what it takes to make our societies more resilient to disasters then we will pay an increasingly high price in terms of lost lives and livelihoods.”
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Residents of Barbuda, where the prime minister estimated 90% of the buildings were damaged or destroyed, recall surviving hurricane Irma’s 170mph winds and huge storm surges.
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Florida governor Rick Scott is holding another briefing for the public, exhorting people to move now if they haven’t already.Florida governor Rick Scott is holding another briefing for the public, exhorting people to move now if they haven’t already.
“If you’re in an evacuation zone, leave. it’s as simple as that,” he says. He suggests people to county shelters or friends’ homes away from the coasts, rather than join the mass exodus on northbound. “Don’t wait. If you’re going to leave, leave. If you’ know what’s going to happen, do it now. The mistake is when people wait.”“If you’re in an evacuation zone, leave. it’s as simple as that,” he says. He suggests people to county shelters or friends’ homes away from the coasts, rather than join the mass exodus on northbound. “Don’t wait. If you’re going to leave, leave. If you’ know what’s going to happen, do it now. The mistake is when people wait.”
Scott also condemns price gouging by airliners and other services, saying that the practice will not be forgotten in the aftermath of the storm.Scott also condemns price gouging by airliners and other services, saying that the practice will not be forgotten in the aftermath of the storm.
“It’s disgusting if anybody price gouges,” he says. “We have an attorney general that will prosecute people for price gouging. This is the time to help our neighbors, this is not the time to take advantage of our neighbors.”“It’s disgusting if anybody price gouges,” he says. “We have an attorney general that will prosecute people for price gouging. This is the time to help our neighbors, this is not the time to take advantage of our neighbors.”
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Hurricane Irma is barrelling toward the southern Bahamas on a course toward southern Florida, with extremely dangerous winds of 150mph (250kph). The storm’s eye doubled in size overnight, and the hurricane’s width is larger than the state of Florida.Hurricane Irma is barrelling toward the southern Bahamas on a course toward southern Florida, with extremely dangerous winds of 150mph (250kph). The storm’s eye doubled in size overnight, and the hurricane’s width is larger than the state of Florida.
Twenty-three people were confirmed killed around the Caribbean so far. The dead include nine on French St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, four in the British Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, one on Dutch St Martin, one in Barbuda, and one in Anguilla. Twenty-three people were confirmed killed around the Caribbean so far. The dead include nine on French St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, four in the British Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, one on Dutch St Maartenmartin, one in Barbuda, and one in Anguilla.
Florida braced for what may be its worst storm in living memory, with a state-wide hurricane warning. “This is a catastrophic storm our state has never seen,” said governor Rick Scott. “We can rebuild your home, we cannot rebuild your life.”Florida braced for what may be its worst storm in living memory, with a state-wide hurricane warning. “This is a catastrophic storm our state has never seen,” said governor Rick Scott. “We can rebuild your home, we cannot rebuild your life.”
Officials feared storm surges of three to 10ft and ordered more than a million people to evacuate from coastal areas of south Florida and Georgia. Travellers clogged highways northward and the governor suspended tolls and struggled to get fuel to gas stations running out of supplies. The mayor of Miami-Dade, Carlos Gimenez, said the evacuation is the largest in the county’s history.Officials feared storm surges of three to 10ft and ordered more than a million people to evacuate from coastal areas of south Florida and Georgia. Travellers clogged highways northward and the governor suspended tolls and struggled to get fuel to gas stations running out of supplies. The mayor of Miami-Dade, Carlos Gimenez, said the evacuation is the largest in the county’s history.
Shelters opened all around Florida, and officials pleaded that residents in inland areas should plan to have food and water for three days minimum. The governor closed schools and universities around the state to allow for more room. “After the storm passes, we’ll be here to lift everyone up,” Scott said. “We will get through this together.”Shelters opened all around Florida, and officials pleaded that residents in inland areas should plan to have food and water for three days minimum. The governor closed schools and universities around the state to allow for more room. “After the storm passes, we’ll be here to lift everyone up,” Scott said. “We will get through this together.”
The storm is expected to land somewhere on the peninsula late Saturday or on Sunday. Brock Long, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that Irma could be the most severe hurricane to ever hit the US. “It’s not a question of if Florida’s going to be impacted. It’s a question of how bad Florida’s going to be impacted.”The storm is expected to land somewhere on the peninsula late Saturday or on Sunday. Brock Long, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that Irma could be the most severe hurricane to ever hit the US. “It’s not a question of if Florida’s going to be impacted. It’s a question of how bad Florida’s going to be impacted.”
Cuba is evacuating tourists from coastal resorts and warning residents to move inland, and the British territories of Turks and Caicos suffered nearly directly under the storm’s path.Cuba is evacuating tourists from coastal resorts and warning residents to move inland, and the British territories of Turks and Caicos suffered nearly directly under the storm’s path.
Hurricane Jose grew to a category four storm east of the Caribbean, with a path toward some of the same islands that have just emerged from Irene’s winds. On the tiny island of Barbuda, where an estimated 90% of buildings were destroyed, authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation to the larger island of Antigua.Hurricane Jose grew to a category four storm east of the Caribbean, with a path toward some of the same islands that have just emerged from Irene’s winds. On the tiny island of Barbuda, where an estimated 90% of buildings were destroyed, authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation to the larger island of Antigua.
American, British, French and Dutch relief forces and military personnel started to move toward or arrive at Caribbean islands hit by the storm.American, British, French and Dutch relief forces and military personnel started to move toward or arrive at Caribbean islands hit by the storm.
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Death toll rises to 23Death toll rises to 23
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency has released a statement saying that it has confirmed four deaths on the British Virgin Islands, raising the toll to 23 killed.The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency has released a statement saying that it has confirmed four deaths on the British Virgin Islands, raising the toll to 23 killed.
The storm has killed at least 19 others, including nine on the French territories of St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, one on Dutch St Martin, one in Barbuda, and one in Anguilla. Officials have said they expect the death toll to increase. The storm has killed at least 19 others, including nine on the French territories of St Martin and St Barts, four in the US Virgin Islands, three on Puerto Rico, one on Dutch St Maarten, one in Barbuda, and one in Anguilla. Officials have said they expect the death toll to increase.
The CDEMA gave few details in its statement, but said that the Tortola airport is working but that it’s tower has been “compromised” by the storm. The agency estimated that 90% of Anguilla’s power infrastructure was damaged, 90% of government buildings damaged, and that the island suffered “significant damage to [its] main water supply”.The CDEMA gave few details in its statement, but said that the Tortola airport is working but that it’s tower has been “compromised” by the storm. The agency estimated that 90% of Anguilla’s power infrastructure was damaged, 90% of government buildings damaged, and that the island suffered “significant damage to [its] main water supply”.
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Seven cities near Lake Okeechobee, a huge inland lake in southern Florida, have been given a mandatory evacuation notice.Seven cities near Lake Okeechobee, a huge inland lake in southern Florida, have been given a mandatory evacuation notice.
Residents have been ordered to evacuate from South Bay, Lake Harbor, Pahokee, Moore Haven, Clewiston, Belle Glade and Canal Point. Governor Rick Scott said that a critical dike on the lake was inspected on Friday morning, and will receive regular inspections as long as crews are able. He also said the US army corps of engineers assured him that the dike “will not be compromised”, though it may have some spillover, since the storm is far faster-moving than hurricane Harvey, which flooded Houston.Residents have been ordered to evacuate from South Bay, Lake Harbor, Pahokee, Moore Haven, Clewiston, Belle Glade and Canal Point. Governor Rick Scott said that a critical dike on the lake was inspected on Friday morning, and will receive regular inspections as long as crews are able. He also said the US army corps of engineers assured him that the dike “will not be compromised”, though it may have some spillover, since the storm is far faster-moving than hurricane Harvey, which flooded Houston.
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Northern Cuba and the southern Bahamas are now suffering Irma’s 150mph winds, glimpses of which are seeping through on social media. Local Bahamian broadcaster Shenique Miller has posted video of the winds.Northern Cuba and the southern Bahamas are now suffering Irma’s 150mph winds, glimpses of which are seeping through on social media. Local Bahamian broadcaster Shenique Miller has posted video of the winds.
#IrmaHurricane2017 Southern Bahamas #Acklins #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/4Qa6y2wHT3#IrmaHurricane2017 Southern Bahamas #Acklins #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/4Qa6y2wHT3
And on the British territories of Turks and Caicos, Miami Herald correspondent Jacqueline Charles tweets a photo of a flooded, desolate airport in the aftermath of the storm.And on the British territories of Turks and Caicos, Miami Herald correspondent Jacqueline Charles tweets a photo of a flooded, desolate airport in the aftermath of the storm.
The #TurksandCaicos airport on #Providenciales thanks to #Irma pic.twitter.com/6dQXeGmAEJThe #TurksandCaicos airport on #Providenciales thanks to #Irma pic.twitter.com/6dQXeGmAEJ
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Authorities warn again that everyone should leave the Florida Keys immediately. Governor Rick Scott said on Thursday that the archipelago will be entirely without support for the duration of the storm, cut off by winds and storm surges, with its hospital closed.Authorities warn again that everyone should leave the Florida Keys immediately. Governor Rick Scott said on Thursday that the archipelago will be entirely without support for the duration of the storm, cut off by winds and storm surges, with its hospital closed.
If you have not evacuated yet, you are encouraged to do so now. we're facing a potentially catastrophic hurricane. It's not safe to stay.If you have not evacuated yet, you are encouraged to do so now. we're facing a potentially catastrophic hurricane. It's not safe to stay.
And Irma is finding new strength in the warm waters closer to the mainland, notes meteorologist John Morales, a south Florida stalwart who saw hurricane Andrew firsthand in 1992.And Irma is finding new strength in the warm waters closer to the mainland, notes meteorologist John Morales, a south Florida stalwart who saw hurricane Andrew firsthand in 1992.
I repeat: eyewall replacement cycle completed. New Irma eye is nearly double the size it was yesterday. Many more to experience dreaded eye.I repeat: eyewall replacement cycle completed. New Irma eye is nearly double the size it was yesterday. Many more to experience dreaded eye.
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Hurricane Jose grows to category fourHurricane Jose grows to category four
Hurricane Jose, east of the Caribbean and heading west, has grown to a category four storm, the National Weather Service has announced.Hurricane Jose, east of the Caribbean and heading west, has grown to a category four storm, the National Weather Service has announced.
Thousands remain trapped on St Martin, St Barts, and the Virgin Islands in Jose’s path. On the devastated island of Barbuda, officials have ordered people to evacuate to nearby Antigua, which was spared the degree of destruction. Jose is tentatively projected to veer north, into the open ocean, before nearing Cuba or the mainland, but it may yet change direction.Thousands remain trapped on St Martin, St Barts, and the Virgin Islands in Jose’s path. On the devastated island of Barbuda, officials have ordered people to evacuate to nearby Antigua, which was spared the degree of destruction. Jose is tentatively projected to veer north, into the open ocean, before nearing Cuba or the mainland, but it may yet change direction.
Some forecasters also fear that the warm waters around coastal Florida – in the high 80s off parts of Palm Beach County – may reinvigorate Irma, turning the gigantic category four storm back into a category five.Some forecasters also fear that the warm waters around coastal Florida – in the high 80s off parts of Palm Beach County – may reinvigorate Irma, turning the gigantic category four storm back into a category five.
2 Atlantic hurricanes currently have winds of 150 mph (#Irma and #Jose) - 1st time on record Atlantic has had 2 150+ mph storms at same time pic.twitter.com/SZm1VMTCOs2 Atlantic hurricanes currently have winds of 150 mph (#Irma and #Jose) - 1st time on record Atlantic has had 2 150+ mph storms at same time pic.twitter.com/SZm1VMTCOs
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Footage of waves pouring into a home on Anguilla, filmed by a resident in his kitchen and provided by Rupert Jones, former attorney general of the British territory.Footage of waves pouring into a home on Anguilla, filmed by a resident in his kitchen and provided by Rupert Jones, former attorney general of the British territory.
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Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach County, has been ordered to evacuate along with other coastal stretches and barrier islands of south Florida.Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach County, has been ordered to evacuate along with other coastal stretches and barrier islands of south Florida.
More than 100,000 Palm Beach County residents were given mandatory evacuation alerts on Thursday night and Friday morning, and more than a million people ordered to leave their homes along coastal areas, mostly from the densely populated Miami-Dade County.More than 100,000 Palm Beach County residents were given mandatory evacuation alerts on Thursday night and Friday morning, and more than a million people ordered to leave their homes along coastal areas, mostly from the densely populated Miami-Dade County.
Governor Rick Scott warned that all Floridians should be ready to evacuate, if necessary: a total of 20 million people.Governor Rick Scott warned that all Floridians should be ready to evacuate, if necessary: a total of 20 million people.
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With only about a day before hurricane Irma reaches south Florida, FlightRadar24, a site that tracks aircraft in real-time, shows the state is swarming with flights. Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed from the region’s major airports over the last 24 hours, as people tried to leave the state.With only about a day before hurricane Irma reaches south Florida, FlightRadar24, a site that tracks aircraft in real-time, shows the state is swarming with flights. Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed from the region’s major airports over the last 24 hours, as people tried to leave the state.
Fort Lauderdale’s international airport will close Friday night, and Miami International has warned that people should not attempt to use it as a shelter from the storm.Fort Lauderdale’s international airport will close Friday night, and Miami International has warned that people should not attempt to use it as a shelter from the storm.
Irma is tracking steadily toward the mainland, currently moving above Cuba’s northern coast. (Google has not yet updated its graphics to show the storm as category four.)Irma is tracking steadily toward the mainland, currently moving above Cuba’s northern coast. (Google has not yet updated its graphics to show the storm as category four.)
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With time running out before Irma makes land, much of south Florida has emptied out, leaving behind boarded up homes, vulnerable marinas, and scattered families and reporters bracing for the storm.With time running out before Irma makes land, much of south Florida has emptied out, leaving behind boarded up homes, vulnerable marinas, and scattered families and reporters bracing for the storm.
Eerily quiet on #clearwaterbeach this morn. Houses boarded up, streets empty, bracing for #hurricaneirma #tbtirma pic.twitter.com/KRaFMy3rTnEerily quiet on #clearwaterbeach this morn. Houses boarded up, streets empty, bracing for #hurricaneirma #tbtirma pic.twitter.com/KRaFMy3rTn
Eerie calm at the Delray Beach marina, where neighboring homes are in an evacuation zone. #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/VaEBUYNK66Eerie calm at the Delray Beach marina, where neighboring homes are in an evacuation zone. #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/VaEBUYNK66
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Various Florida authorities are offering last minute advice for people who are barricading into their own homes before the storm. Residents can also call an emergency information hotline: 1.800.342.3557.Various Florida authorities are offering last minute advice for people who are barricading into their own homes before the storm. Residents can also call an emergency information hotline: 1.800.342.3557.
#Hurricane Pro Tip: Fill up your washing machine with ice & fill with items you want to keep chilled. Close the lid & it'll stay cool.#Hurricane Pro Tip: Fill up your washing machine with ice & fill with items you want to keep chilled. Close the lid & it'll stay cool.
This is a good one! We have also heard that if you store things in your closed and locked dishwasher, they will stay dry. https://t.co/LaZ4oDGoIqThis is a good one! We have also heard that if you store things in your closed and locked dishwasher, they will stay dry. https://t.co/LaZ4oDGoIq
Floridians- See important #HurricaneIrma contact info below or find your county’s emergency management info here: https://t.co/DoWh2FqLTn pic.twitter.com/aFini3NeLRFloridians- See important #HurricaneIrma contact info below or find your county’s emergency management info here: https://t.co/DoWh2FqLTn pic.twitter.com/aFini3NeLR
*Update: BuzzFeed’s Jane Lytvynenko, doing yeoman’s work of countering misinformation about hurricane Irma and preparation, has received counter-counsel on the advice given by Miami Beach.*Update: BuzzFeed’s Jane Lytvynenko, doing yeoman’s work of countering misinformation about hurricane Irma and preparation, has received counter-counsel on the advice given by Miami Beach.
Hello Jane, we do not recommend storing valuables in the Dishwasher.Hello Jane, we do not recommend storing valuables in the Dishwasher.
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