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Hurricane Maria: 'we have lost all' says Dominica prime minister – live Hurricane Maria: 'we have lost all' says Dominica prime minister – live
(35 minutes later)
8.46am BST
08:46
France’s Met office has published a satellite image showing that French island of Dominca was directly under Maria’s path just before 1am local time. Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has since said: “We have lost all that money can buy and replace.”
Ouragan #Maria vu par le satellite #Metop à 00h57 UTC ce 19 sept. Œil de l'ouragan au sud de la #Dominique. @meteofrance pic.twitter.com/FOLbBw3mw4
8.25am BST
08:25
Maria just skirted to the south of the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe but it still caused powerful winds and near horizontal rain, according to video from those on the island.
#Maria #Guadeloupe Le cyclone vu depuis l'aéroport de Pointe-à-Pitre. Vent et pluie se déchaînent depuis maintenant plus de six heures ! pic.twitter.com/331gKaZSEl
#Maria situation à 3h00 à PàP #Guadeloupe : ça souffle de plus en plus fort, c bizarre ça ne faiblit pas 🤤 pic.twitter.com/EvzkL02377
#maria #Guadeloupe sainte rose pic.twitter.com/gTny1H9f3p
8.16am BST8.16am BST
08:1608:16
Britain’s foreign office is advising against all but essential travel to Montserrat, a British overseas territory which Maria is expected to hit later on Tuesday.Britain’s foreign office is advising against all but essential travel to Montserrat, a British overseas territory which Maria is expected to hit later on Tuesday.
There are similar warnings against travelling to the British territories of Anguilla and the Turks And Caicos islands which are on Maria’s forecast path for Wednesday and Thursday.There are similar warnings against travelling to the British territories of Anguilla and the Turks And Caicos islands which are on Maria’s forecast path for Wednesday and Thursday.
But there are currently no warning against travelling to the British dependency of St Kitts and Nevis, and the French island of Guadeloupe which the hurricane is forecast to hit on Tuesday. Instead the FCO advices tourists to monitor hurricane updates. But there are currently no warning against travelling to the British dependency of St Kitts and Nevis, and the French island of Guadeloupe which the hurricane is forecast to skirt on Tuesday. Instead the FCO advices tourists to monitor hurricane updates.
A similar message currently applies to the British dependency of Antigua and Barbuda, which were hit by Irma, but which are just north-east of Maria’s forecast path. The advice currently says: A similar message currently applies to Antigua and Barbuda, which were hit by Irma, but which are just north-east of Maria’s forecast path. The advice currently says:
There are no reports of damage to hotels or tourist infrastructure on Antigua. The airport is open. Visitors should follow the advice of the local authorities and their tour operators.There are no reports of damage to hotels or tourist infrastructure on Antigua. The airport is open. Visitors should follow the advice of the local authorities and their tour operators.
Updated
at 8.37am BST
8.08am BST8.08am BST
08:0808:08
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Hurricane Maria is heading across the Caribbean sea towards Montserrat, a British overseas territory, having made landfall on the island of Dominica at category five strength overnight.Hurricane Maria is heading across the Caribbean sea towards Montserrat, a British overseas territory, having made landfall on the island of Dominica at category five strength overnight.
Winds of up to 160mph (260kmh) and heavy rains lashed Dominica as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it late on Monday.Winds of up to 160mph (260kmh) and heavy rains lashed Dominica as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it late on Monday.
With dawn yet to break, there has been no confirmation of deaths or injuries from the first category five hurricane in recorded history to hit Dominica, but the prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his own flooded home – said he feared the worst and begged other countries for help.With dawn yet to break, there has been no confirmation of deaths or injuries from the first category five hurricane in recorded history to hit Dominica, but the prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his own flooded home – said he feared the worst and begged other countries for help.
Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said the island’s Princess Margaret hospital, in the capital Roseau, was battered, and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said the island’s Princess Margaret hospital, in the capital Roseau, was battered, and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.
Maria has since skirted to the south of the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, heading towards Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis.Maria has since skirted to the south of the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, heading towards Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis.
It has dipped slightly to category four, with wind speeds of 155mph (250kmh). But the US National Hurricane Center warned:It has dipped slightly to category four, with wind speeds of 155mph (250kmh). But the US National Hurricane Center warned:
Maria is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous category 4 or 5 hurricane while it approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.Maria is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous category 4 or 5 hurricane while it approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the northeastern Caribbean Sea today, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the northeastern Caribbean Sea today, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.
Relief efforts in the British and US Virgin Islands after the devastation of Hurricane Irma have been halted as residents brace themselves for another onslaught.Relief efforts in the British and US Virgin Islands after the devastation of Hurricane Irma have been halted as residents brace themselves for another onslaught.
Puerto Rico is also preparing itself for what could be the strongest hurricane to slam the island for almost a century. On Monday, public safety commissioner Hector Pesquera told residents in homes not built to withstand such intense winds to move to shelters:Puerto Rico is also preparing itself for what could be the strongest hurricane to slam the island for almost a century. On Monday, public safety commissioner Hector Pesquera told residents in homes not built to withstand such intense winds to move to shelters:
You have to evacuate. Otherwise you’re going to die. I don’t know how to make this any clearer.You have to evacuate. Otherwise you’re going to die. I don’t know how to make this any clearer.
7.56am BST7.56am BST
07:5607:56
Guadeloupe will be spared the full brunt of Hurricane Maria, it seems, with the eye of the storm skimming south-west of the island.Guadeloupe will be spared the full brunt of Hurricane Maria, it seems, with the eye of the storm skimming south-west of the island.
It will not be spared the eyewall, however, which has been lashing the island with rain and wind gusts of up to 68mph (110kmh), according to the Trinidad and Tobago weather centre.It will not be spared the eyewall, however, which has been lashing the island with rain and wind gusts of up to 68mph (110kmh), according to the Trinidad and Tobago weather centre.
Next in its path is the British overseas territory of Montserrat.Next in its path is the British overseas territory of Montserrat.
L'œil de #Maria commence à s'éloigner de la #Guadeloupe en franchissant 62°W mais dangers persistent (pluies intenses, houle, vent). pic.twitter.com/oWhdq5mUDXL'œil de #Maria commence à s'éloigner de la #Guadeloupe en franchissant 62°W mais dangers persistent (pluies intenses, houle, vent). pic.twitter.com/oWhdq5mUDX
7.42am BST7.42am BST
07:4207:42
Hurricane Maria is now hurtling towards islands that escaped the brunt of Irma – including Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis.Hurricane Maria is now hurtling towards islands that escaped the brunt of Irma – including Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis.
But it is then forecast to head for the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.But it is then forecast to head for the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Virgin Islands suffered widespread devastation from Hurricane Irma and relief efforts there are currently hampered – or halted – by the approaching Maria.The Virgin Islands suffered widespread devastation from Hurricane Irma and relief efforts there are currently hampered – or halted – by the approaching Maria.
All residents in the British Virgin Islands have been told to take shelter immediately.All residents in the British Virgin Islands have been told to take shelter immediately.
Brigadier John Ridge, the second in command of the UK’s Joint Task Force, warned:Brigadier John Ridge, the second in command of the UK’s Joint Task Force, warned:
They are either going to get the wind, which will pick up all the debris that is lying around – and also, irritatingly, where they have made progress in getting covers over the houses and power lines up, it will potentially damage that again.They are either going to get the wind, which will pick up all the debris that is lying around – and also, irritatingly, where they have made progress in getting covers over the houses and power lines up, it will potentially damage that again.
Or they get a huge amount of rain, which is also bad because of the blockages in the drainage channels, so the potential for some quite serious flooding as well.Or they get a huge amount of rain, which is also bad because of the blockages in the drainage channels, so the potential for some quite serious flooding as well.
Whatever happens, it doesn’t look good, sadly.Whatever happens, it doesn’t look good, sadly.
They had an hour’s rain a few days ago and that created four foot of flooding, so if you get potentially 12 hours of rain you can imagine how much worse that will be.They had an hour’s rain a few days ago and that created four foot of flooding, so if you get potentially 12 hours of rain you can imagine how much worse that will be.
There are already 1,300 UK troops in the region for the aftermath of Irma, and more supplies are due to arrive this weekend when HMS Ocean reaches the Caribbean.There are already 1,300 UK troops in the region for the aftermath of Irma, and more supplies are due to arrive this weekend when HMS Ocean reaches the Caribbean.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.46am BSTat 7.46am BST
7.31am BST7.31am BST
07:3107:31
As well as hurricane-force winds, one of Maria’s most dangerous effects is life-threatening flooding.As well as hurricane-force winds, one of Maria’s most dangerous effects is life-threatening flooding.
The US National Hurricane Center predicts the following rainfall as Maria works its way across the Caribbean between now and Thursday:The US National Hurricane Center predicts the following rainfall as Maria works its way across the Caribbean between now and Thursday:
Central and southern Leeward Islands: 10 to 15 inches (25-38cm), isolated 20 inches (50cm).Central and southern Leeward Islands: 10 to 15 inches (25-38cm), isolated 20 inches (50cm).
US and British Virgin Islands: 10 to 15 inches, isolated 20 inches.US and British Virgin Islands: 10 to 15 inches, isolated 20 inches.
Puerto Rico: 12 to 18 inches, isolated 25 inches.Puerto Rico: 12 to 18 inches, isolated 25 inches.
Northern Leeward Islands from Barbuda to Anguilla: 4 to 8 inches, isolated 10 inches.Northern Leeward Islands from Barbuda to Anguilla: 4 to 8 inches, isolated 10 inches.
Windward Islands and Barbados: 2 to 4 inches, isolated 6 inches.Windward Islands and Barbados: 2 to 4 inches, isolated 6 inches.
Eastern Dominican Republic: 4 to 8 inches, isolated 12 inches.Eastern Dominican Republic: 4 to 8 inches, isolated 12 inches.
And it warns: “Rainfall on all of these islands could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.”And it warns: “Rainfall on all of these islands could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.”
7.20am BST7.20am BST
07:2007:20
Next in Maria’s sights is Guadeloupe, where residents were ordered to stay inside from 8pm Monday (it’s currently 2.20am Tuesday there).Next in Maria’s sights is Guadeloupe, where residents were ordered to stay inside from 8pm Monday (it’s currently 2.20am Tuesday there).
Winds and rain are already pummelling the French overseas territory, where officials are warning people not to go outside “under any circumstances”.Winds and rain are already pummelling the French overseas territory, where officials are warning people not to go outside “under any circumstances”.
[Direct] #Maria #Basseterre Les vents sont extrêmement violents. Restez confinés. Ne sortez sous aucun prétexte. pic.twitter.com/0D8O0YY8a0[Direct] #Maria #Basseterre Les vents sont extrêmement violents. Restez confinés. Ne sortez sous aucun prétexte. pic.twitter.com/0D8O0YY8a0
7.13am BST7.13am BST
07:1307:13
This gif shows the direction Maria took as it tracked right across the island of Dominica, with wind speeds of 160mph (260kmh) and flooding rains:This gif shows the direction Maria took as it tracked right across the island of Dominica, with wind speeds of 160mph (260kmh) and flooding rains:
The influence of #Dominica's terrain on #Maria's track evident following #radar #eye during passage. Subtle W then NNW bend on island apex. pic.twitter.com/MHSGjK4veKThe influence of #Dominica's terrain on #Maria's track evident following #radar #eye during passage. Subtle W then NNW bend on island apex. pic.twitter.com/MHSGjK4veK
7.05am BST7.05am BST
07:0507:05
Dominica PM: 'We will need help'Dominica PM: 'We will need help'
Roosevelt Skerrit, the prime minister of Dominica, has posted an update on Facebook in which he asks for help for his devastated island:Roosevelt Skerrit, the prime minister of Dominica, has posted an update on Facebook in which he asks for help for his devastated island:
Initial reports are of widespread devastation. So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace.Initial reports are of widespread devastation. So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace.
My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.
So far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with. The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn-away roofs in the city and the countryside.So far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with. The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn-away roofs in the city and the countryside.
Come tomorrow morning we will hit the road, as soon as the all-clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.Come tomorrow morning we will hit the road, as soon as the all-clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.
I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating … indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating … indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.
We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds.We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds.
It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed.It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed.
6.55am BST
06:55
Maria dips to category four
Maria’s wind speeds have dipped slightly – from 160mph (260kmh) as it crossed Dominica to 155mph (250kmh) over the Caribbean Sea now – which means the US National Hurricane Center now labels it a category four storm. But the NHC warns:
Maria is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous category 4 or 5 hurricane while it approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
On the forecast track, the eye of Maria will move over the northeastern Caribbean Sea today, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight and Wednesday.
6.47am BST
06:47
The latest advisory from the US National Hurricane Center – at just before 2am in the Caribbean – is that: “Maria remains an extremely dangerous hurricane after moving over Dominica.”
Maria is currently passing west-north-west of Dominica, its eye having crossed directly over the island, and is heading towards St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Irma on St Thomas and St John less than two weeks ago.
Hurricane warnings remain in effect for:
Dominica
Guadeloupe
Montserrat
St Kitts & Nevis
US Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques
6.31am BST
06:31
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
Hurricane Maria has intensified quickly to a category five storm and made landfall on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
Winds of up to 160mph (260kmh) and heavy rains lashed the island as the eye of the hurricane passed directly across it on Monday night.
There is not yet confirmation of any deaths or injuries from the first category five hurricane in recorded history to hit Dominica, but the prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit – who had to be rescued from his own flooded home – said he feared the worst.
Skerrit said there was widespread damage, with roofs swept from buildings. Reports said the island’s Princess Margaret hospital, in the capital Roseau, was battered, and radio stations stopped broadcasting as the storm crashed over the island of 72,000 people.
Maria is now heading towards Guadeloupe, the British overseas territory of Montserrat, and St Kitts & Nevis, still at category five strength.
All residents of Guadeloupe were ordered to take shelter on Monday evening and not go out under any circumstances. The French overseas territory was being used as a base for relief efforts for islands struck by Hurricane Irma.
The hurricane is then forecast to swing towards the British and US Virgin Islands and to Puerto Rico, where another state of emergency has been declared.
Updated
at 6.32am BST
6.20am BST
06:20
Roosevelt Skerrit, the prime minister of Dominica, has told Caracas-based Telesur TV that rescue teams will head out when dawn breaks on Tuesday (it is currently 1.20am local time).
Skerrit said:
My greatest fear is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury, possible deaths … Come tomorrow morning we will hit the road in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.
Winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with.
My focus now is rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance. We will need help of all kinds … Dominica needs support from friends for helicopter services to get around the country [and] determine what’s needed.
Updated
at 7.01am BST
6.11am BST
06:11
The eye of Hurricane Maria has stopped weakening as it crosses the Caribbean Sea just south of Guadeloupe:
Hurricane #Maria's eyewall is quickly reorganizing over open water. Now passing just SW of #Guadeloupe. #HurricaneMaria #Dominica pic.twitter.com/wbJap7M4gI
6.06am BST
06:06
As Maria moves away from Dominica, next in its sights are Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory, and Montserrat, a British overseas territory.
Press Association has spoken to Carolyne Coleby, a photographer and sheep farmer on Montserrat, as the hurricane began to approach:
“It is raining and the winds are picking up – it is going to hit us from the south, which is very serious,” Coleby said,
Montserrat escaped the clutches of Hurricane Irma relatively unscathed, but Coleby said people have been told to be “much more worried this time”.
“This is the most serious hurricane we have had so far. It is the third one in two weeks, but this is serious for us because of the direction it is approaching,” she added.
Coleby said just 5,000 people call Montserrat home, and that she has lived on the island for more than 10 years. “We have never experienced a hurricane season like this – it is just crazy, it is obviously climate change,” she said.
She said the geological makeup of the island, which includes an active volcano, could cause problems such as landslides and flooding and that the storm is “really going to impact” them.
“I was worried about Irma but it was really nothing for us – we got half an hour, an hour of rain and heavy winds and that was it after it passed.
“But this time is different because we know it is going to hit us and we know there is going to be an impact.”
5.53am BST
05:53
Helen Davidson
The prime minister of Dominica has used Facebook to describe in harrowing detail – and in real time – his own rescue from the destruction of Hurricane Maria.
The category five storm passed directly over the island nation of Dominica on Monday night local time. Amid gusts of wind up to 260kmh (160mph) the country’s long-serving leader, Roosevelt Skerrit, rode out the storm from his home.
“The winds are merciless!” wrote 45-year-old Skerrit on Facebook. “We shall survive by the grace of God!”
An hour later as the winds increased he wrote: “We do not know what is happening outside. We not dare look out. All we are hearing is the sound of galvanize [roofing] flying. The sound of the fury of the wind. As we pray for its end!”
Skerrit said he believed his house had sustained damage, exclaiming: “Rough! Rough! Rough!”
He then confirmed it: “My roof is gone. I am at the complete mercy of the hurricane. House is flooding.”
Roosevelt has not posted since telling his friends and followers: “I have been rescued.”
Updated
at 6.06am BST
5.43am BST
05:43
It has been a punishing three hours for the 72,000 residents of Dominica – and it is not yet over, warns the Trinidad and Tobago weather centre, which says the outer bands of Hurricane Maria will continue to move over the island overnight, “exacerbating the devastating flooding situation”:
Dominica has experienced at least 3 hours of sustained winds of 260 KM/H with gusts in excess of 315KM/H. https://t.co/jNAuQUhyHJ
12:20AM Tuesday: Nearly 3 hours after landfall, Category 5 Hurricane Maria's eyewall finally moves off Northeastern Dominica. pic.twitter.com/uYxVLnRg1K
5.33am BST
05:33
Patrick Wintour
The Caribbean-wide response to Hurricane Irma has been piecemeal and there needs to be a new permanent level of coordination, including better international early warning weather systems, Boris Johnson has said.
The British foreign secretary was speaking on Monday at a meeting on the margins of the United Nations general assembly convened by the UK and bringing together British ministers, the French foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian, the Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders and leaders from the Caribbean.
Johnson said that “everyone is desperately worried by Hurricane Maria, currently threatening Caribbean islands”.
The meeting heard that islands such as Anguilla will take as long as two years to recover since it is totally dependent on tourism and the hotel industry is devastated.
In his most self-critical comments yet on the international response to the disaster, Johnson described the operation as “all a bit piecemeal and bit hand to mouth”:
If I am being totally honest, people have been ringing each other up and saying, ‘what can we do?’. We don’t need a gigantic new bureaucracy but we do need a smooth way to respond to what is obviously going to be an intensifying pattern of horrific weather events in the Caribbean.
What we are trying to build here is a Caribbean recovery plan. We need an automatic recovery system.
We still have to deal with Hurricane Maria and we need to get supplies to areas that have not been affected by Irma. They have not had the water proofing, and the plywood. We need to coordinate better in our predictions.
5.19am BST
05:19
Mark Brantley, minister of foreign affairs in St Kitts and Nevis, says there is “significant damage” in Dominica, as the storm now heads towards his own islands:
PM Skerritt of #Dominica has just said the island has been devastated by #HurricaneMaria and asked that we tell the world #PrayForDominica
Early reports suggest significant damage in #Dominica from #HurricaneMaria. We pray for more favorable reports at dawn #PrayForDominica
Updated
at 5.20am BST