ANGUILLA—It is impossible to assess the massive damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Anguilla which took the full force of the storm. Hundreds of hotels, restaurants and houses are damaged and some completely destroyed. The island is without any electricity and forecasts for full restoral range from two to four months
Britain has already sent one ship, RFA Mounts Bay, to Anguilla and troops were assisting from the first day with clearing the roads and removing debris as well as moving electricity poles that are down. Hundreds of troops and the Royal Navy flagship HMS Ocean are also being sent to assist the Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Montserrat and British Virgin Islands.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said he had ordered HMS Ocean to head to the Caribbean from the Mediterranean. Fallon also said the U.K. was sending a task group of several hundred troops, marines, engineers and additional helicopters. Fallon is reported as saying, "We are going to make sure the islands get the help they need."
Chief Minister Victor Banks said it is a very traumatic experience but is being managed well through the National Disaster Response plan already in place. At a news conference he thanked the many people who are working to restore the island. He also thanked the many overseas donors noting that Anguilla has a lot of friends around the world. He thanked the British Government for its support and thanked Governor Foy for negotiating on behalf of Anguilla.
The ferry terminal is closed but the Sandy Ground port is open. The Clayton J Lloyd airport is open for charters, relief supplies and small planes and Seaborne operating from Puerto Rico is reportedly to start scheduled flights this week.
Many churches have been destroyed with Bethel Methodist (in photo) losing its entire roof. Many restaurants and hotels have been destroyed or damaged. In Sandy Ground Pumphouse is completely destroyed and Dolce Vita, Johnnos, Elvis and Barrel Stay have severe damage. Palm Grove Restaurant at Junks Hole is completely destroyed.
The post office reopened on Friday, September 15 and most Government departments are working and open in the mornings. NCBA (National Commercial Bank of Anguilla), Scotiabank and CIBCFirstCaribbean are open. Schools hope to open by the beginning of October—the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School is severely damaged and most of the primary schools have damage. The hospital was badly damaged but is being repaired already.
Banks said that Anguilla will remain beautiful and will be back and even better.
