Hurricane Beryl : JRC emergency report : situation as at 09 July 2024 and comparison with past hurricanes

Hurricane Beryl set a precedent for what is predicted to be an extremely active hurricane season for the entire Atlantic basin. This hurricane intensified at an explosive rate to become the earliest Category 5 (on the Saffir Simpson scale) Atlantic hurricane on record. From 01 July to 09 July, when it made landfall in Texas, this hurricane changed from a Category 4 strength on the Saffir Simpson scale to a Category 1. It is expected to weaken rapidly according to WMO Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Miami1. As at 09 July Beryl has impacted several countries on its path: Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mexico, Belize, and the United States. According to the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) the estimated exposed population to Category 1 or higher is 9 million. The latest snapshot from UN OCHA (#4, as of 8 July) reports that "Authorities and humanitarian partners' response efforts are focusing on Carriacou, Petite Martinique and northern Grenada in Grenada; Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique and mainland Saint Vincent in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; and the Clarendon, Manchester, Saint Catherine and Saint Elizabeth parishes in southern Jamaica"2. On 05 July the ERCC has requested a JRC emergency report on the "Comparison between impacts of Hurricane Beryl and other multi-island hurricanes in the Caribbean". In particular, this comparative analysis looks at hurricanes which followed a similar track as Beryl, such as Irma and Maria (2017), Dean (2007), Emily (2005), Ivan (2004), Mitch (1998), Gilbert (1988). This report presents the outcomes of the requested analysis, aimed at contributing to a better calibration of the European Union response and funding to partners operating in the area. In addition to the requested topics, this report includes an overview of the current situation, preparedness and response actions ongoing (from anticipatory measures to needs assessment), information about the Atlantic hurricane seasonal forecast and an analysis of the potential consequences of Hurricane Beryl on the water and health sectors.