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Hurricane Maria: Dominica 'brutalised' by new category five storm – live Hurricane Maria: Dominica 'brutalised' by new category five storm – live
(35 minutes later)
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
Dominica PM: 'We need help'
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 6.22am 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 BST5.53am BST
05:5305:53
Helen DavidsonHelen 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 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 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!”“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!”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 damaged, exclaiming: “Rough! Rough! Rough!” 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.”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.”Roosevelt has not posted since telling his friends and followers: “I have been rescued.”
Updated
at 6.06am BST
5.43am BST5.43am BST
05:4305:43
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”: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/jNAuQUhyHJDominica 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/uYxVLnRg1K12:20AM Tuesday: Nearly 3 hours after landfall, Category 5 Hurricane Maria's eyewall finally moves off Northeastern Dominica. pic.twitter.com/uYxVLnRg1K
5.33am BST5.33am BST
05:3305:33
Patrick WintourPatrick 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 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.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”.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.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”: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.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.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.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 BST5.19am BST
05:1905:19
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: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 #PrayForDominicaPM 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 #PrayForDominicaEarly reports suggest significant damage in #Dominica from #HurricaneMaria. We pray for more favorable reports at dawn #PrayForDominica
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.20am BSTat 5.20am BST
5.01am BST5.01am BST
05:0105:01
Radar reports now show the eye of Hurricane Maria leaving Dominica and moving over the sea.Radar reports now show the eye of Hurricane Maria leaving Dominica and moving over the sea.
Of course, it drags behind it an eyewall, with some hours of strong winds and rains yet to land on the island.Of course, it drags behind it an eyewall, with some hours of strong winds and rains yet to land on the island.
4.57am BST4.57am BST
04:5704:57
Helen DavidsonHelen Davidson
Dominica-based lawyer Anthony Astaphan told Antigua’s Observer Media Group that the wind was “savage”:Dominica-based lawyer Anthony Astaphan told Antigua’s Observer Media Group that the wind was “savage”:
We lost the roof. My total upstairs, the ceiling and everything collapsed. I have two inches of water downstairs.We lost the roof. My total upstairs, the ceiling and everything collapsed. I have two inches of water downstairs.
My god, I can only feel the pain of those who don’t have the house that I have. It was terrible and I just hope people didn’t die.My god, I can only feel the pain of those who don’t have the house that I have. It was terrible and I just hope people didn’t die.
4.51am BST4.51am BST
04:5104:51
The US Virgin Islands are bracing themselves for the arrival of Hurricane Maria within 24 hours.The US Virgin Islands are bracing themselves for the arrival of Hurricane Maria within 24 hours.
Governor Kenneth Mapp urged residents to finish their preparations for shelter and supplies, adding:Governor Kenneth Mapp urged residents to finish their preparations for shelter and supplies, adding:
We are going to have a very, very long night.We are going to have a very, very long night.
Maria is forecast to travel 22 miles (35km) south of the island of St Croix.Maria is forecast to travel 22 miles (35km) south of the island of St Croix.
The islands of St Thomas and St John were badly damaged by Hurricane Irma and remain at risk of further devastating winds and rains.The islands of St Thomas and St John were badly damaged by Hurricane Irma and remain at risk of further devastating winds and rains.
4.28am BST4.28am BST
04:2804:28
Roosevelt Skerrit, the prime minister of Dominica, has been speaking to Caracas-based Telesur TV about the devastation wrought by Maria – the scale of which has yet to be assessed.Roosevelt Skerrit, the prime minister of Dominica, has been speaking to Caracas-based Telesur TV about the devastation wrought by Maria – the scale of which has yet to be assessed.
Skerrit told the station he was rescued from his flooded home by police officers.Skerrit told the station he was rescued from his flooded home by police officers.
Please tell the world that Dominica has been devastated … In the morning we will know how many dead there are …Please tell the world that Dominica has been devastated … In the morning we will know how many dead there are …
We were brutally hit.We were brutally hit.
4.23am BST4.23am BST
04:2304:23
What does it feel like to be in the midst of a hurricane? Neuroscientist Dr Daniel Glaser explains:What does it feel like to be in the midst of a hurricane? Neuroscientist Dr Daniel Glaser explains:
The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale describes the effects on structures and people, but not what it would feel like. Hearing is the sense most frequently invoked, with winds sounding like a train or a low howl.The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale describes the effects on structures and people, but not what it would feel like. Hearing is the sense most frequently invoked, with winds sounding like a train or a low howl.
Of course, the most basic response to these events is fear and awe. Our brain generates the fear and that triggers the gut, which feeds back to the brain. The sensation is really part of an indirect loop. If the hurricane struck your body directly that would be a very different story.Of course, the most basic response to these events is fear and awe. Our brain generates the fear and that triggers the gut, which feeds back to the brain. The sensation is really part of an indirect loop. If the hurricane struck your body directly that would be a very different story.
4.14am BST4.14am BST
04:1404:14
There has been no news of casualties from Dominica so far – but, reports Associated Press, this could be because emergency services are yet to leave shelter:There has been no news of casualties from Dominica so far – but, reports Associated Press, this could be because emergency services are yet to leave shelter:
Late Monday, a police official, Inspector Pellam Jno Baptiste, said there were no immediate reports of casualties but it was still too dangerous for officers to do a full assessment as the storm raged outside.Late Monday, a police official, Inspector Pellam Jno Baptiste, said there were no immediate reports of casualties but it was still too dangerous for officers to do a full assessment as the storm raged outside.
“Where we are, we can’t move,” he said in a brief phone interview.“Where we are, we can’t move,” he said in a brief phone interview.
4.10am BST4.10am BST
04:1004:10
Hurricane warnings remain in effect for:Hurricane warnings remain in effect for:
DominicaDominica
GuadeloupeGuadeloupe
MontserratMontserrat
St Kitts & NevisSt Kitts & Nevis
US Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands
British Virgin IslandsBritish Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico, Culebra and ViequesPuerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques
3.59am BST3.59am BST
03:5903:59
Latest hurricane reportLatest hurricane report
The latest advisory from the US National Hurricane Center confirms that Maria is moving over Dominica as a category five hurricane.The latest advisory from the US National Hurricane Center confirms that Maria is moving over Dominica as a category five hurricane.
It warns:It warns:
Hurricane conditions should continue over Dominica during the next few hours. Hurricane conditions should spread throughout portions of the hurricane warning area in the Leeward Islands tonight and early Tuesday. Hurricane conditions should spread through the remainder of the hurricane warning area [which includes the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico] Tuesday and Wednesday.Hurricane conditions should continue over Dominica during the next few hours. Hurricane conditions should spread throughout portions of the hurricane warning area in the Leeward Islands tonight and early Tuesday. Hurricane conditions should spread through the remainder of the hurricane warning area [which includes the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico] Tuesday and Wednesday.
Storm surges remain an extreme danger, it says:Storm surges remain an extreme danger, it says:
A dangerous storm surge accompanied by large and destructive waves will raise water levels by as much as 7 to 11 feet (2.1m-3.4m) above normal tide levels in the hurricane warning area near where the centre of Maria moves across the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands.A dangerous storm surge accompanied by large and destructive waves will raise water levels by as much as 7 to 11 feet (2.1m-3.4m) above normal tide levels in the hurricane warning area near where the centre of Maria moves across the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.02am BSTat 4.02am BST
3.59am BST3.59am BST
03:5903:59
Maria is the first category five hurricane in recorded history to hit Dominica.Maria is the first category five hurricane in recorded history to hit Dominica.
In 1979, Hurricane David hit the island as a category four storm, the deadliest to date. In all, 56 people died and three-quarters of the population were left homeless.In 1979, Hurricane David hit the island as a category four storm, the deadliest to date. In all, 56 people died and three-quarters of the population were left homeless.
3.49am BST3.49am BST
03:4903:49
The US National Hurricane Center has warned that Maria could yet become more intense, Associated Press reports:The US National Hurricane Center has warned that Maria could yet become more intense, Associated Press reports:
“Maria is developing the dreaded pinhole eye,” the center warned.“Maria is developing the dreaded pinhole eye,” the center warned.
That’s a sign of an extremely strong hurricane likely to get even mightier, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. Just like when a spinning ice skater brings in their arms and rotates faster, a smaller, tighter eye shows the same physics, he said.That’s a sign of an extremely strong hurricane likely to get even mightier, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. Just like when a spinning ice skater brings in their arms and rotates faster, a smaller, tighter eye shows the same physics, he said.
Maria’s eye shrank to a narrow 10 miles (16km) across. “You just don’t see those in weaker hurricanes,” McNoldy said.Maria’s eye shrank to a narrow 10 miles (16km) across. “You just don’t see those in weaker hurricanes,” McNoldy said.