Although Hurricane Beryl has lost some of its strength, it still caused widespread damage and power outages in the US state of Texas, where it raged on Monday. In addition, the Category 1 hurricane has killed several people in the southern United States.
At least seven people were killed in Texas, including by falling trees, the Houston Chronicle and CNN reported, citing authorities. Among the dead was a police officer in metro Houston who drowned in his car on his way to work, Mayor John Whitmire said at a news conference. At least one person was killed in the neighboring state of Louisiana.
Millions of households without electricity
More than 2.3 million households were without power Tuesday night (local time), according to data from the website poweroutage.us. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said nearly three million homes had lost power Monday. The utility said it would likely take several days for power to be restored. Images from the affected areas showed flooded streets, downed trees and power poles.
The hurricane has weakened but continues to produce heavy rainfall as a tropical depression in East Texas and the neighboring states of Louisiana and Arkansas, the U.S. Hurricane Center said. Tornadoes are also possible. Meteorologists say “Beryl” will continue to move northeast and weaken over the next few days.
Deaths and major destruction also in the Caribbean
‘Beryl’ has been keeping people in the region in suspense for over a week. It was the first hurricane of this year’s hurricane season, which begins on June 1 in the Atlantic Ocean and ends on November 30. In the southeastern Caribbean, ‘Beryl’ temporarily reached the highest hurricane strength (Category 5), i.e. with a speed of more than 251 kilometers per hour.
It flew over several islands in the Lesser Antilles, made landfall on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and continued through the Gulf of Mexico. At least 11 people were killed in the Caribbean. Governments said more than 90 percent of homes were damaged or destroyed on some islands in the island nations of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Jamaica also suffered extensive damage and widespread power outages in some areas.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
