Carib chaos as toll rises

CHAOS STILL reigned in much of the storm-tossed Caribbean on Monday, as food and water shortages, power outages and rampant looting across several islands sparked angry criticism from residents who demanded more government help.

With a lack of basic services straining the bonds of law and order, France, Britain and the Netherlands were castigated for slow responses — despite sending some troops and promising financial aid packages.

At least 36 people were killed in the Caribbean when Irma — towering at its full Category 5 force — tore through Barbuda, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and St. Barts, the Bahamas, Cuba and other islands.

Thousands were left without power from the massive storm surges and 185 mph winds on their way to wreac havoc in Key West and South Florida.

The U.S. sent an aircraft carrier and other Navy ships to assist in search-andrescue operations in the Keys, where Irma touched down Sunday as a Category 4 hurricane.

Naval vessels with hundreds of Marines and aid packages also deployed to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

But across many Caribbean islands, coordination of emergency responses remained spotty — hampered in many places by a lack of power — which opened the door for looting as supplies grew short.

Jenn Manes, who lives on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, detailed a list of robberies and break-ins after Irma.

“This is not St. John anymore. I’m not