PHILIPSBURG--Hurricane Irma has surpassed the islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. Immediately after the passage, Dutch soldiers carried out assessments (voetpatrouilles) on all three islands and made the maritime NH-90 helicopter of Zr.Ms. Zeeland a reconnaissance mission to see where the need is highest.
The Islands of Saba and Statia have been hit by Irma, but the damage seems to be more on St. Maarten. St. Maarten has been severely hit by the hurricane and there's barely electricity and running water. The Island's infrastructure is in bad shape: the airport and port are inaccessible. These supply routes are crucial in providing emergency humanitarian aid.
On Thursday evening, Dutch marines and army forces are going to work to restore the infrastructure and make sure that there is public order. The Naval zr. Ms. Hewes. Zeeland and zr. Ms. Hewes. Pelican is now nearby and providing assistance to operations on the land. They can provide extra people, vehicles, supplies and drinking water for the population.
Communication between government and its people are down as most cell sites are down including radio stations on St. Maarten.
