Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula near the popular tourist town of Tulum as a Category 2 storm, causing destruction and leaving at least 11 people dead across the Caribbean. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses over the peninsula before entering the Gulf of Mexico and potentially regaining hurricane strength. The Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from the effects of Tropical Storm Alberto, which hit the area just weeks ago.
Beryl has already caused devastation in Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados, becoming the earliest storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic. The death toll includes three people in Grenada, three in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, three in Venezuela, and two in Jamaica.
After making landfall in Mexico, Beryl’s maximum wind speeds dropped, but the town of Tulum is still experiencing large and destructive waves. The area is also at risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Mexican authorities had evacuated some residents and tourists from low-lying areas prior to the storm, but many chose to remain in their homes despite the dangerous conditions.
Tulum, once a quiet village, has experienced rapid development in recent years and now boasts a population of around 50,000 residents and a thriving tourist industry. The storm has caused widespread power outages in the city, leaving nearly half of Tulum without electricity. Army brigades have been deployed to clear fallen trees and power lines from the streets.
Despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl, residents like Lucia Nagera Balcaza are grateful that their homes were spared. However, the cleanup process is daunting, with the streets in disarray and ongoing power outages. Mexican Civil Protection reports that no deaths or injuries have been reported thus far, but the restoration of electricity remains a priority.
In Corpus Christi, Texas, officials are preparing for the possibility that Beryl could turn northward and bring coastal flooding, strong winds, and dangerous rip currents. The city has already distributed thousands of sandbags to residents in preparation for potential flooding.
In Mexico, shelters were set up in schools and hotels ahead of the storm. Authorities took measures to protect sea turtle eggs and evacuated beachside hotels. Tourists also took precautions, gathering water and preparing to hunker down until the storm passed.
Earlier in the week, St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced significant damage, with 95% of homes destroyed or damaged on two islands. Fishing boats in Barbados were also affected, and Jamaica experienced roof damage and power outages.
The impact of Hurricane Beryl has been devastating, with witnesses describing the incredible force of the wind and the destruction it caused. The recovery process will be long and challenging for the affected areas as they work to rebuild homes and restore essential services.
Overall, Hurricane Beryl serves as a reminder of the destructive power of these storms and the importance of preparedness and safety measures in vulnerable areas. The resilience and determination of the affected communities will be crucial in recovering from this natural disaster.
