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Hurricane Irma: floods devastate Florida Keys as Caribbean in chaos – latest news Hurricane Irma: floods devastate Florida Keys as Caribbean in chaos – latest news
(about 1 hour later)
6.25am BST
06:25
While Irma’s centre is on track to leave Georgia by Monday midnight or Tuesday early morning, high winds are still forecast to continue, the state’s Emergency Management Agency has warned.
Irma’s sustained wind speed had earlier been downgraded to 35mph, but gusts could still reach 64mph.
Winds of 30 to 50 mph with gusts of 45 to 64 mph are likely across much of Georgia through early Tuesday morning. pic.twitter.com/2cZwetEBMm
6.08am BST
06:08
Here’s just how much rainfall Irma has brought to the southern US since Friday 8am.
A look at precip that's fallen so far from #Irma. For specific rainfall totals and reported wind gusts, see https://t.co/X7MoHzpZrJ pic.twitter.com/KmknBcvoJK
This includes, since Saturday 8am:
11.17 inches in Jacksonville, Florida
10.42 at the University of Florida
10.12 at the St Marys River, Georgia
6.05 at Edisto Island, South Carolina
Updated
at 6.09am BST
5.11am BST5.11am BST
05:1105:11
StormwatchStormwatch
With Irma now downgraded to a tropical depression, let’s look at other storms in the region and across the world.With Irma now downgraded to a tropical depression, let’s look at other storms in the region and across the world.
Hurricane Jose, which has lingered in the Atlantic without making landfall for days, continues to stall, according to the latest estimates.Hurricane Jose, which has lingered in the Atlantic without making landfall for days, continues to stall, according to the latest estimates.
Jose does not appear to be making much progress towards the US or Caribbean. Meanwhile, Irma downgraded to a Tropical Depression. pic.twitter.com/J1zUOAvJRxJose does not appear to be making much progress towards the US or Caribbean. Meanwhile, Irma downgraded to a Tropical Depression. pic.twitter.com/J1zUOAvJRx
In the Philippines, tropical depression Maring is expected to hit land on Tuesday morning local time with maximum winds of 60kmh.In the Philippines, tropical depression Maring is expected to hit land on Tuesday morning local time with maximum winds of 60kmh.
Schools, courts and government offices have suspended work for the day due to heavy rain and gusts.Schools, courts and government offices have suspended work for the day due to heavy rain and gusts.
Finally, here’s the latest estimate of Irma’s path from the National Hurricane Center. It will spend much of Tuesday in Alabama.Finally, here’s the latest estimate of Irma’s path from the National Hurricane Center. It will spend much of Tuesday in Alabama.
11 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. pic.twitter.com/0TtpN7nnKd11 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. pic.twitter.com/0TtpN7nnKd
4.52am BST4.52am BST
04:5204:52
Unicef calls for international donationsUnicef calls for international donations
This latest story, from my colleague Helen Davidson, underlines the scale of destruction in the Caribbean, as estimated by international NGOs.This latest story, from my colleague Helen Davidson, underlines the scale of destruction in the Caribbean, as estimated by international NGOs.
While much of the focus has been on European countries with overseas territories in the region (the UK, France and the Netherlands), Unicef have stressed the problem needs a much wider response from the international community.While much of the focus has been on European countries with overseas territories in the region (the UK, France and the Netherlands), Unicef have stressed the problem needs a much wider response from the international community.
In the words of Khin-Sandi Lwin, who is leading Unicef’s response in the Caribbean:In the words of Khin-Sandi Lwin, who is leading Unicef’s response in the Caribbean:
There is a general sense that [the British Virgin Islands] is British government territory and therefore the British will handle it.There is a general sense that [the British Virgin Islands] is British government territory and therefore the British will handle it.
We haven’t been able to raise the funds from other governments at the moment ... we need a much bigger international response to the funding that’s needed.We haven’t been able to raise the funds from other governments at the moment ... we need a much bigger international response to the funding that’s needed.
To date, the UK has earmarked £32m in aid for their territories, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, is en route to visit the region. Meanwhile, Canada has also announced a $160,000 aid package.To date, the UK has earmarked £32m in aid for their territories, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, is en route to visit the region. Meanwhile, Canada has also announced a $160,000 aid package.
Unicef are asking for an additional $US2.3m.Unicef are asking for an additional $US2.3m.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.53am BSTat 4.53am BST
4.01am BST4.01am BST
04:0104:01
Irma downgraded to tropical depressionIrma downgraded to tropical depression
The National Hurricane Centre has downgraded Irma to a tropical depression, with maximum sustained wind speeds now at 35mph.The National Hurricane Centre has downgraded Irma to a tropical depression, with maximum sustained wind speeds now at 35mph.
Forecasts predict the centre of Irma, now in Georgia, will move into Alabama by midnight on Monday, and then western Tennessee by 8pm Tuesday.Forecasts predict the centre of Irma, now in Georgia, will move into Alabama by midnight on Monday, and then western Tennessee by 8pm Tuesday.
Tropical Depression #Irma Advisory 52: Irma Weakens to a Tropical Depression. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EMTropical Depression #Irma Advisory 52: Irma Weakens to a Tropical Depression. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
Meanwhile, 6.2 million accounts are still without power in Florida. The full breakdown from the Division of Emergency Management is below.Meanwhile, 6.2 million accounts are still without power in Florida. The full breakdown from the Division of Emergency Management is below.
Florida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage Numbers as of 9/11/2017 9:00 PM ET. PDF at: https://t.co/MdtDTxRJZf #FLRecovers pic.twitter.com/sQyD3TOj13Florida Hurricane #Irma Power Outage Numbers as of 9/11/2017 9:00 PM ET. PDF at: https://t.co/MdtDTxRJZf #FLRecovers pic.twitter.com/sQyD3TOj13
3.46am BST3.46am BST
03:4603:46
Update from Key WestUpdate from Key West
The Key West city commissioner, Sam Kaufman, has provided a final update for today before residents are allowed back into the Florida Keys tomorrow.The Key West city commissioner, Sam Kaufman, has provided a final update for today before residents are allowed back into the Florida Keys tomorrow.
Food and water are at “critically low” supply levels and the City of Key West is running low on fuel.Food and water are at “critically low” supply levels and the City of Key West is running low on fuel.
Two sections of roadway have been washed away.Two sections of roadway have been washed away.
200 power poles have been downed and Keys Energy estimates it will take 7-10 days to restore power to all parts of Key West. In other Keys regions, this could take up to a month.200 power poles have been downed and Keys Energy estimates it will take 7-10 days to restore power to all parts of Key West. In other Keys regions, this could take up to a month.
Some communications are expected to be restored by Tuesday.Some communications are expected to be restored by Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office has made “reference to fatalities”, but nothing has been confirmed.The sheriff’s office has made “reference to fatalities”, but nothing has been confirmed.
More certain information will emerge from 7am Tuesday when residents will begin returning.More certain information will emerge from 7am Tuesday when residents will begin returning.
9/11/17 8:40 pm: An update from the Key West City Commissioner.https://t.co/AgVXTgLST6 pic.twitter.com/3wWiSY7ySE9/11/17 8:40 pm: An update from the Key West City Commissioner.https://t.co/AgVXTgLST6 pic.twitter.com/3wWiSY7ySE
3.24am BST3.24am BST
03:2403:24
In Alabama, 25,000 homes are without power, mostly in eastern areas closer to Irma, which is currently over Georgia. However, Alabama Power say this is an improvement on 42,000 outages reported three hours ago.In Alabama, 25,000 homes are without power, mostly in eastern areas closer to Irma, which is currently over Georgia. However, Alabama Power say this is an improvement on 42,000 outages reported three hours ago.
In Florida, commercial flights from Tallahassee International Airport will resume on Tuesday morning.In Florida, commercial flights from Tallahassee International Airport will resume on Tuesday morning.
3.14am BST3.14am BST
03:1403:14
US citizens will be evacuated from the Dutch island of St Maarten from 7.30am Tuesday local time, according to the state department. They warn that wait times will be long.US citizens will be evacuated from the Dutch island of St Maarten from 7.30am Tuesday local time, according to the state department. They warn that wait times will be long.
US citizens in #SintMaarten: evac flights will resume tomorrow morning (Sept. 12). Arrive by 7:30am if possible, but no later than 2pm. pic.twitter.com/RDCHcIlowZUS citizens in #SintMaarten: evac flights will resume tomorrow morning (Sept. 12). Arrive by 7:30am if possible, but no later than 2pm. pic.twitter.com/RDCHcIlowZ
3.09am BST3.09am BST
03:0903:09
Irma in picturesIrma in pictures
Here’s Irma’s trail of destruction as it moved south to north – from the Dutch island of St Maarten, the islands of the Florida Keys, and Jacksonville in Florida.Here’s Irma’s trail of destruction as it moved south to north – from the Dutch island of St Maarten, the islands of the Florida Keys, and Jacksonville in Florida.
2.40am BST2.40am BST
02:4002:40
Residents of the Florida Keys will be allowed back into their homes and businesses from 7am Tuesday.Residents of the Florida Keys will be allowed back into their homes and businesses from 7am Tuesday.
Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada in Monroe County will be re-opened for those with proof of residence. For many, it will be a first opportunity to survey the damage, as communications in the area are still down.Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada in Monroe County will be re-opened for those with proof of residence. For many, it will be a first opportunity to survey the damage, as communications in the area are still down.
Monroe County to open entry into Keys at 7 a.m. Tues. for residents in Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada -- to MM 73...Monroe County to open entry into Keys at 7 a.m. Tues. for residents in Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada -- to MM 73...
... Must provide yellow entry sticker or proof of residency in Key Largo, Tavernier or Islamorada. #hurricaneirma... Must provide yellow entry sticker or proof of residency in Key Largo, Tavernier or Islamorada. #hurricaneirma
2.15am BST
02:15
Curfews are still in place across southern Florida as Irma moves north over Georgia.
There is a curfew from 7pm to 7am in:
Miami-Dade County
City of Miami
City of North Miami
Village of Key Biscayne, and others
There is a curfew from 4pm until further notice in:
City of Fort Lauderdale
City of Deerfield Beach
Town of Hillsboro Beach
1.58am BST
01:58
Six dead in Florida
Six people have died in Florida as a result of Irma, according to the latest from AP.
This brings the US death toll to 10, across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, according to reports from a number of local authorities.
In Florida, Winter Park police spokesman Garvin McComie said a 51-year-old man, named as Brian Buwalda, was found electrocuted by a downed power line on Monday morning.
On Sunday evening, 50-year-old Heidi Zehner died after her SUV crashed into a guardrail on route 417 near Orlando, and on Sunday morning 53-year-old Joseph Ossman and 42-year-old Julie Bridges died after their vehicles collided head-on.
Three deaths have been reported in Georgia, and one in South Carolina.
1.35am BST
01:35
Here’s how Irma moved across Florida over the last 60 hours:
59 hours of radar imagery from #Irma from 7 am Saturday morning to 6 pm Monday evening. pic.twitter.com/kzehdP2yHG
1.26am BST
01:26
The death toll in Georgia has risen to three, and a first death has been reported in South Carolina, according to local authorities.
In Georgia, a woman died after a tree fell on a vehicle in a private driveway, according to the Forsyth County Sherrif’s Office, who did not release her name.
In South Carolina, 57-year-old Charles Saxon died after being struck by a tree limb in Calhoun Falls, the Abbeville County Coroner, Ronnie Ashley, said.
1.13am BST
01:13
Here’s more on the European response to Irma’s devastation in the Caribbean, after 400 survivors arrived in France and the Netherlands on Monday after a military evacuation.
From AFP:
Both the French and Dutch governments have come under criticism over delays in their responses to the crisis and in particular over how they handled outbreaks of looting on St Barthelemy and St Martin, an island with both French and Dutch sectors.
“They gave us phone numbers but they didn’t work. Only social media and solidarity worked,” said a mother picking up her daughter at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport.
“People were left to their own devices. They had to set up militias and take turns defending themselves (against looters).”
1.00am BST
01:00
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has just boarded a plane to visit the French islands of St Martin and St Barts.
Opposition politician Jean-Luc Melenchon had earlier slammed Macron for not doing enough, demanding a parliamentary inquiry into the French government’s response to the storm. The islands suffered much of the early force of Irma, with 9 people confirmed dead as of Friday, and 60% of St Martin declared uninhabitable.
Départ pour les Antilles avec du matériel pour gérer l'urgence et commencer le travail de reconstruction. #Irma pic.twitter.com/dnXFQBl6Bb
12.44am BST
00:44
The US National Weather Service says all communications are down in the Florida Keys. They’re advising that it will be some time before they can provide information about specific areas of the Keys, and whether or not people are safe.
They say they are receiving “numerous inquiries” but have no information to pass on. There is no timeline as yet for when communication will be restored.
Communications are completely out across the Keys, and the Keys are currently cut-off from the main Florida peninsula. (3/5)
12.29am BST
00:29
Haiti’s civil protection agency has confirmed the country’s first death from Hurricane Irma.
Authorities said an elderly man had died in the town of Mirebalais while attempting to cross a rain-swollen river in the country’s central plateau region. Irma had passed along the north of the island on Thursday local time, sparing most of the country from the full force of the storm.
12.08am BST
00:08
Hi everyone, this is Naaman Zhou taking over the live blog from Alan Yuhas. I’ll be covering events through the night or day, depending on where you are.
11.30pm BST
23:30
The latest from Irma
Irma battered northern Florida and moved into Georgia, slowing to a tropical storm, with sustained winds of 50mph. Earlier on Monday gusts in excess of 60mph could be felt as far away as the metro Atlanta area, 200 miles inland.
Record flash floods swept into Jacksonville out of the St Johns River, forcing residents out of homes with what possessions they could carry on small boats or in their hands. Storm surges pushed the ocean into Charleston, South Carolina, and two storm-related deaths were reported in southern Georgia.
At least 6.5 million homes and businesses lost power in Florida, two-thirds of the state. More than 100,000 people waited out the storm in shelters, and many started to head home as teams cleared debris off roads.
Governor Rick Scott saw “devastation” on the Florida Keys, where Irma made landfall on Sunday. An unknown number of people remain trapped on the islands, and the national guard are trying to rescue people from the flooded and demolished neighborhoods. A White House official said it could take weeks to restore safe road access and utilities. “I just hope everybody survived,” Scott said. “It’s horrible, what we saw.’”
Scott urged residents to wait for the all-clear on roads, given dangerous downed power lines, trees, and contaminated floodwaters. Health officials advised boiling tap water, avoiding stagnant floodwaters and looking out for expired food . “Don’t put any more lives at risk,” Scott said. “Don’t get out.”
City and county governments planned to re-open officially on Tuesday, as did Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s international airports. Many seaports and marinas remain closed to civilian traffic, however, with sunken boats or their shattered remains still a hazards.
At least 36 people have been reported killed around the Caribbean since Irma tore through Barbuda, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, French St Martin, the Bahamas, Cuba and other islands.
The premier of the British Virgin Islands, Orlando Smith, has asked for immediate aid from the British government, saying the situation was “critical” . French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the badly-hit French island of St Martin on Tuesday.
The US sent several naval vessels with hundreds of marines and aid packages to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and south Florida. Britain has sent 500 British troops and sent aside £32m in aid to its territories. France has sent almost 1,000 medical, military and police personnel to the region.