Brits evacuated after Hurricane Irma devastates the Caribbean
BRITONS are being evacuated from the Caribbean after Hurricane Irma caused devastation in the region.
Expats and tourists have spoken of their terror at the most powerful storm ever in the Atlantic Ocean, and shock at the extent of the damage.
The hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm yesterday after battering Florida with 100mph winds and torrential rain overnight.
Recovery and aid efforts are under way in the worst-affected islands, while many British nationals are working to piece together their lives from the ruins of the storm.
One British family told how they sheltered in a wardrobe as Irma hit their home in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands as a category five storm.
Clare Chilton, husband Hadley and their two children spent more than 24 hours holed up with a mattress protecting their heads during the worst of the hurricane.
Ms Chilton, 40, who is originally from Middlesbrough, said she felt like “one of the lucky ones” after being rescued and taken to Puerto Rico with her three-year-old son and sevenyear-old daughter.
Others on the island were less fortunate, including the family of British DJ Laura Elliott, who are surrounded by a “collapsed jungle” and awaiting rescue.
Ms Elliott, 38, who was working abroad when the hurricane hit, said she fears her fiance and two young children may run out of supplies in the coming days.
Sir Richard Branson has shared images showing the devastation caused by Irma on his private Necker Island.
The billionaire businessman, who was pictured in front of torn-down buildings and uprooted trees, said he knew the people of the British Virgin Islands would “bounce back stronger than ever”.
Around 2,350 UK holidaymakers in Cuba are being evacuated by Thomas Cook. The tour operator said it is also sending extra support staff to the island, which suffered severe damage due to the extreme weather.
A number of UK tourists have complained about a lack of information and access to resort reps.
Thomas Cook thanked customers for “their continued patience”.
In Florida, 10ft storm surges overwhelmed roads and buildings, cutting off Florida Keys from the mainland.
Residents and holidaymakers were ordered to stay indoors until the storm had passed.
Matt and Zoe Caveney, from Liverpool, were forced to spend much of