BTN News: Hurricane Beryl, which had caused damage in the eastern Caribbean, became stronger again. By Thursday night, Beryl was a Category 3 storm and heading for Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It was expected to hit near Tulum early Friday morning.
Beryl’s Strength and Path to the Yucatan Peninsula
Beryl had been the earliest Category 5 storm of the Atlantic season. It now has winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 miles per hour). The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that by early Friday, Beryl was 145 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Tulum, moving west at about 26 km/h (16 mph).
Government Urges Evacuation for Safety and Protection of Lives
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador told people in the most at-risk areas to leave. “Don’t wait. Things can be replaced. Life is more important,” he said.
Tulum Prepares for Hurricane Impact and Possible Destruction
Tulum was once a quiet village but has grown fast. Now, it has about 50,000 residents and the same number of tourists on a normal day. As Beryl got closer, authorities told businesses to close and moved people from hotels near the shore.
Residents and Tourists Take Safety Measures Before the Storm
Local leaders set up ten shelters, with 340 people in them by Thursday afternoon. The Tulum International Airport closed early Thursday. The Cancun Airport saw nearly 350 flight cancellations or delays. Both locals and visitors took safety steps, with some filling water bottles and others enjoying the beach one last time before the storm.
Coastal Areas and Islands Undergo Evacuations to Avoid Danger
Small communities and over 3,000 people from the tourist island of Holbox were evacuated. Authorities also moved turtle eggs from beaches likely to be destroyed by the storm.
Previous Destruction Caused by Beryl in Caribbean Regions
Before heading to Mexico, Beryl caused a lot of damage in the Caribbean, especially in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. In Jamaica, 60% of the island lost power, and two people died because of the storm.
Efforts to Clear Debris and Assess Damage Begin in Affected Areas
People and officials started clearing debris and checking the damage. In Jamaica, many streets were blocked by fallen trees and power lines. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 95% of homes on Mayreau and Union Islands were damaged. Several deaths were reported in the area.
National Hurricane Center Reports New Tropical Storm Aletta Formed in the Pacific Ocean
The NHC reported that Tropical Storm Aletta had formed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. Aletta, with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph), was expected to move out to sea and weaken over the weekend.
Focus on Safety and Recovery as Hurricane Beryl Continues Its Path
As Hurricane Beryl moves on, the main focus is on keeping people safe and starting to rebuild the affected areas. The storm shows how important it is to be ready and act quickly during natural disasters.
