Caribbean ‘decimated’ by ‘storm of the century’ as Branson calls for aid
THE son of Virgin billionaire Richard Branson is heading to the devastated British Virgin Islands as he prepares for the ‘harrowing’ experience of seeing his home in ruins.
In an appeal three days after Hurricane Irma smashed into the archipelago where his father owns an island, Sam Branson said simply: ‘If you have boats, then please get them to the BVI.’
The islands’ governor, Gus Jaspert, said there had been devastating damage and ‘reports of casualties and fatalities’ following the storm. He added: ‘I am truly heartbroken by this news. May God bless and protect the territory and our people.’
The hurricane has left apocalyptic scenes behind it in the Caribbean, killing 24 so far, and causing enormous levels of destruction in St Martin, Barbuda and elsewhere.
Richard Branson said there ‘needs to be an enormous aid effort’ after the island was ‘decimated’. He branded Irma ‘the storm of the century’, but also warned about Category 4 Hurricane José, which is following in its wake.
As a consequence of José, the 1,600 population of Barbuda – ‘except for a few persons who resisted the call’ – has been evacuated, its prime minister Gaston Browne said.
The tiny island was one of the most severely damaged when the eye of the hurricane passed over it on Wednesday, destroying telecommunication systems and cell towers. Mr Browne said 90% of buildings are damaged leaving the nation ‘literally in rubble’.
Richard Branson said the British Virgin Islands, said: ‘The
‘There’s no British presence at all’
boats are piled up like matchsticks in the harbour. Huge cargo ships were thrown out of the water and into rocks. Resorts have been decimated.
‘The houses have their roofs blown off; even some churches where people sheltered have lost roofs. But the whole community is rallying round.’
In a video posted to his Instagram account, his son Sam said he is organising to fly back to the BVI with supplies. He shows a pile of suitcases and boxes packed with food and clothing. He explains: ‘Going to do my best to help the people on the ground there.’
In an appeal to boat owners, he adds: ‘Stock them with tarpaulins, food, water, batteries, torches, clothes, water purification tablets and anything else you think might be useful.
‘Going to be harrowing to see my home and so many others’ beloved place so decimated but will do all I can to get aid to the people that need it most!’