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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)
9.20am BST
09:20
BVI curfew imposed
Gus Jaspert, the governor of the British Virgin Islands, says there are frantic efforts to clear the islands of debris left by Hurricane Irma so that it does not “turn into missiles flying at buildings” during Hurricane Maria.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Jaspert explained why he had imposed a curfew until Maria is forecast to hit later on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Clarified our curfew in my latest update: non-essential vehicles must keep off roads from 6pm tonight in #BVI, until the all clear is given.
Jaspert, who only took up his post 21 August, said:
This is an absolutely unprecedented event: to have a category five [Irma] followed by another category five [Maria has since dipped to a category 4 hurricane]. In the capital here Road Town, up to about 80% of buildings are destroyed or damaged. It is a huge challenge for us to be able to ensure that people have safe shelter, and that we are prepared and can bounce back quickly.
Over the last 11 days or so since Irma, we have been focused on recovery, on rebuilding things, on getting aid out, ensuring security with support of the British military and police who are here. We have switched track ... to preparation and that’s almost our singular message now to the public here.
We have been securing shelters in each community, many people are in homes that don’t have a roof, or don’t have adequate shelter, so we securing a hardened shelter in each community.
We are frantically clearing up what we call guts – essentially natural streams. We are expecting a lot of rain and we are telling people to move from low-lying areas, get away from what we call guts and we are frantically cleaning them because there is a lot of debris and blockages in them.
We are also getting the debris off the streets. There is lots of metal where roofs have ripped off houses ... in the last few days we’ve been clearing that up.
I’ve imposed a curfew in effect from now right up to when the hurricane passes so the roads are clear. We are going to send truck after truck to clear up all of the debris. I’m appealing to all of the community to show that spirit which they have shown so far of helping out, clearing up, getting the debris off the streets so it doesn’t turn into missiles flying at buildings.
The Foreign Office is advising against all travel to the British Virgin Islands as there is a “ high risk of further severe damage”. It says:
Hurricane Maria is expected to make landfall on the islands on 19 or 20 September. Following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma, there’s a high risk of further severe damage. Coastal flooding is also highly likely.
If you’re in the British Virgin Islands you should identify shelter immediately and be ready to take cover when the hurricane approaches. If you’re currently outside the islands, you should not return to the territory at this time.
The local authorities have introduced a curfew from 6pm on Monday 18 September until the all clear is given following Hurricane Maria. You should continue to follow the advice of the local authorities. The hotline for British people affected or concerned about others is +44(0)20 7008 0000. You should use whatever means you can to confirm to family that you are safe.
8.46am BST8.46am BST
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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.”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/FOLbBw3mw4Ouragan #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 BST8.25am BST
08:2508:25
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 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 #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 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#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 skirt 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 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.37am BSTat 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.