Hurricane Beryl batters northern Jamaica after killing 7 people in southeast Caribbean

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA - JULY 3, 2024: Heavy rains and strong winds from Hurricane Beryl pounded the coast of Jamaica on Wednesday (July 3) after the powerful storm devastated parts of the southeast Caribbean, where it left a trail of death and destruction. A curfew was implemented from July 3 to July 4. Several people were evacuated as part of the disaster management response. Beryl is now moving away from Jamaica. It will also reach the Cayman Islands and then enter the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). “Beryl is expected to cause life-threatening winds and storm surge in Jamaica on Wednesday, and in the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night and Thursday,” reported the NHC. At least seven deaths have been attributed to the powerful storm: three in the Grenada islands, three in Venezuela and one in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is the earliest Atlantic hurricane on record to reach Category 5 strength, meaning it has sustained winds stronger than 156 miles (251 kilometers) per hour, the highest marker on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. The World Meteorological Organization said that never before has a hurricane of such magnitude been recorded in the Atlantic at this time of year. Experts say its rapid intensification and devastating effects are consequences of the warming of the oceans caused by climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this year, the Atlantic will have a well above average hurricane season, with the possibility of up to 13 hurricanes. The Caribbean community began Wednesday to coordinate shipments of essential supplies to member countries affected by Beryl. (Footage by AA/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)