In June end and July 2024, Hurricane Beryl wreaked unprecedented havoc across the Caribbean islands, leaving a trail of destruction that has deeply impacted the region. The storm’s rapid intensification and powerful winds underscored the growing threat of climate change-driven weather phenomena, as noted by various meteorological agencies and climate scientists.
Formation and Rapid Intensification
Hurricane Beryl began as a tropical depression on June 28, 2024. Within the first 24 hours, it quickly intensified into a hurricane, and over the subsequent 24 hours, it underwent another rapid intensification, escalating to a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds at 165 mph (265km/h).
The National Hurricane Centre reported that Beryl’s rapid intensification is part of a troubling trend linked to human-induced climate change, as warming ocean waters provide more energy to fuel such powerful storms.
Impact on the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands bore the brunt of Hurricane Beryl’s fury. The hurricane’s approach brought thunderstorms and gale-force winds, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 mph (193 km/h).
The islands experienced significant infrastructural damage, with numerous homes and buildings destroyed or severely damaged. Power outages affected a substantial portion of the population, and many areas were left without water.
Devastation in Jamaica
The hurricane forced the closure of airports and sent nearly 1,000 people into government-designated shelters. It is the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in more than 15 years. Beryl’s powerful winds and heavy rains led to extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure. Approximately 60% of Jamaica’s population was left without electricity, exacerbating the crisis.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), water levels along Jamaica’s coasts rose by 1.8-2.7 meters above normal tidal levels, with rainfall totaling 101-202 mm and local extremes exceeding 300 mm. In Kingston, the capital, approximately 1.1 million people and 8,201 hectares of built-up area were exposed to flooding and other impacts, as reported by C3S. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness informed CNN that the storm had resulted in two deaths.
Catastrophic Damage in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines
Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were among the hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency reported that more than 90% of homes and buildings on several islands were either destroyed or severely damaged.
In Carriacou, Grenada, the island’s entire population of 6,081 was significantly affected, with the majority of homes and buildings extensively damaged and the communication system destroyed. The storm, which initially made landfall on Grenada’s Carriacou Island as a Category 4 hurricane, holds the record for being the earliest Category 5 storm in the Atlantic and has resulted in at least one fatality.
Petite Martinique saw around 80% of houses and buildings extensively damaged or destroyed, impacting about 900 residents. Canouan in SVG reported that 90% of its housing stock was damaged or destroyed, affecting the entire population of 12,600 people. Essential services, including the police station, suffered severe damage. Union Island, also in SVG, experienced extensive damage, with 98% of buildings damaged or destroyed, and significant damage to the power plant and airport control tower. Mayreau had 90% of its buildings damaged or destroyed, affecting all 300 residents.
The Beryl’s Impact on the United States
The U.S. too felt the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl. As Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, it brought strong winds of up to 80 mph and heavy rain, causing widespread disruption. Over 2.7 million homes and businesses lost power, hundreds of flights were canceled, and oil ports were forced to close.
As of July 9, 2024, the storm had halted port operations and curtailed refinery activities in Texas, America’s energy capital. This disruption in a region responsible for nearly half of the country’s oil refining capacity caused oil prices to slip by 1% due to concerns about reduced crude demand. Meanwhile, although Floridians were largely spared from direct harm, the storm’s impact was felt economically as gas prices in Tampa Bay surged by 18 cents.
Additional Affected Areas
Barbados reported damage to more than 40 homes, and significant damage to the fishing sector, and coastal infrastructure, particularly along the south coast. The island also faced partial road obstructions. St. Lucia suffered significant damage, particularly on its southern end. Trinidad and Tobago experienced power outages, water disruptions, and blocked roadways on both islands.
Palm Island in SVG saw significant damage to its resort and desalination plant. Bequia, SVG had about 10% of homes and buildings suffering roof damage, although the airport and runway remained usable.
Human and Economic Toll
As of July 9, 2024, Hurricane Beryl carved a path of destruction across the Caribbean, claiming at least 11 lives as it swept through Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela. Venezuela reported three deaths, four missing persons, and damage to over 8,000 homes. Economically, the hurricane’s impact has been devastating. The destruction of infrastructure, homes, and businesses across multiple islands will require extensive financial resources for rebuilding.
Caribbean leaders have called for international support to aid recovery efforts. Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, indicated hopes to activate the country’s catastrophic risk insurance policy, while SVG’s Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, emphasized the need for grants to facilitate rebuilding efforts.
The Role of Climate Change
Hurricane Beryl’s rapid intensification and the scale of its destruction highlight the increasing severity of tropical storms due to climate change. Ocean temperatures have been rising steadily due to fossil fuel burning, but the past year has been unprecedented.
Last year was the hottest on record for oceans, with marine heatwaves affecting 90% of the world’s oceans. This surge continued, setting new sea surface temperature records daily for 12 consecutive months until March. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), North Atlantic waters are currently between 1-3 degrees Celsius (1.8-5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than usual, creating conditions conducive to the formation of severe hurricanes.