Hurricane Irma Rips Through St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Hurricane Irma – St. Thomas, USVI

A second hurricane hit the U.S. again just days after Hurricane Harvey flooded cities in Texas. This time, America’s Paradise – mainly St. Thomas – felt the wrath of Hurricane Irma.

A state of emergency was declared by Governor Mapp effective Tuesday. Irma touched land on Wednesday morning and left behind flooding, collapsed homes, and damaged roofs.

Hurrican Irma St. Thomas USVI

With towers down, those affected by the storm are unable to check in with family and friends outside of the territory.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority has lost its ability to generate power to the island leaving thousands without electricity.

The Schneider Regional Medical Center’s roof was destroyed and hospital personnel is working to move patients to a military location though plans have yet to be finalized. Until then, patients have been moved from the top floors to the second floor due to flooding and the collapsed roof.

USVI Governor Mapp, who is currently safely in St. Croix (though others claim he is currently on the mainland), has yet to address the community about the damage or provide any words of hope to residents.

Casualties

Four have been reported dead after Hurricane Irma’s destruction. The death toll will likely rise as responders sort through debris.

Shelters on St. Thomas

E. Benjamin Oliver School
Lockhart Elementary School
Nisky Moravian Church
Knud Hansen Complex
Sugar Estate Head Start
Special Needs Community Health Center

If you can, please assist those in need. This is a time for us to come together as a community and help our fellow Virgin Islanders. If you can safely provide shelter, food, or water, please do.

Donations

Donations can be made via PayPal.

https://www.facebook.com/chrystal.bee.3/posts/501322063581761

Update #1: I’ve been informed by a few residents that the Benjamin Oliver School has flooded.

Update #2: Image from Hurricane Irma’s aftermath in Jost Van Dyke

Hurricane Irma BVI

Update #3: Evacuations & Assistance

Schneider Medical Center, Eldra Schulterbrandt Long Term Care Facility, and the Special Needs shelter will be evacuated. All will be sent to the sister island, St. Croix.

Medical personnel from St. Croix are being sent to St. Thomas to assist.

Update #4 (2pm 9/7/17): The Cancer Care Facility in St. Thomas was completely destroyed.

Police officers and National Guard troops from St. Croix will be transported to St. Thomas to assist in securing the island and removing debris from the roads.

Few areas have been restored with limited power.

Curfew on St. Croix has been temporarily suspended. Curfew on St. Thomas and St. John are still in effect.