Here are the latest updates from Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane in the past century.
Jamaica has returned to regular operations after Hurricane Beryl, with Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston all open.
Some areas in Jamaica experienced power and WiFi outages, but backup generators ensured guest comfort. The main tasks involve addressing tree damage, restoring outdoor furniture, and resuming full operations.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Nicola Madden-Greig praised local and regional partnerships for their preparedness, noting that Hurricane Beryl injured no guests, and most hotels and the tourism industry emerged unscathed. However, the south coast, including Treasure Beach and St. Elizabeth, saw impacts on local communities and independent hotels. The CHTA is including these areas in disaster relief efforts.
The Cayman Islands reported no major impact on the tourism sector. Madden-Greig emphasized the industry’s resolve to get back on track and support needy communities. Individuals, businesses and organizations that want to contribute to regional hurricane relief efforts may do so at www.chtaef.com.
Update From Mexico
Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Tulum, Mexico, early Friday as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 110 mph, quickly decreasing to 100 mph. The storm caused significant disruptions, including power outages affecting 40 percent of Tulum. The storm’s winds and rain led to evacuations of some coastal communities and relocation of sea turtle eggs from threatened beaches.
Mexican authorities evacuated tourists and residents from low-lying areas around the Yucatan Peninsula. In Tulum, local officials evacuated beachside hotels and set up shelters. Military personnel urged tourists to leave the beaches for safer areas. Despite Beryl’s impact, no deaths or injuries were reported.
Tulum, Cancun and Cozumel International Airports are all now operational.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts reported that guests and team members are safe following the hurricane’s impact on Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. Most resorts remain open, with guests already enjoying amenities as the properties work to return to normal.
The group has also set up a Disaster Relief initiative through their Sandals Foundation, with 100 percent of every dollar going directly to the organization’s Caribbean Emergency Response Efforts. For more information, visit sandalsfoundation.org.
Hyatt Inclusive Collection
Hyatt Inclusive Collection confirmed that resorts in the Mexican Caribbean remain fully operational with no damage to the 29 properties, including the Breathless, Dreams, Hyatt, Impression, Secrets and Sunscape brands.
