Hurricane Irma, 9 Years Later

[ouanalao]

Nine years ago, Hurricane Irma passed over St Barth.
Some of you on SBHonline will certainly remember those days and the significant impact the storm had on the island.

In the 5th issue of Spirit of St Barth, we published an article looking back at Irma, its aftermath, and the remarkable recovery of St Barth in the months that followed. I thought it would be a good opportunity to share this article again with the SBHonline community.

https://issuu.com/spiritofstbarth/docs/spirit_of_st_barth_/71

 

[elgreaux]

Thanks for sharing and fingers crossed there are no repeat performances this year !

 

[JEK]

I searched my Photos and this popped up. Saint Barth Strong!

 

[KevinS]

I remember the aftermath of Irma well. Despite the devastation, it was a shining example of how the St Barth people come together to recover from an emergency situation. Remembering the guidance from my late friend Michel Ledee (“come, we need your money”, which really boils down to “just show up”) after Hurricane Luis, we found a way to come for Thanksgiving. Our patronage was much appreciated everywhere that we went. I think that the hugs were even more appreciated.

 

[cec1]

Nine years ago, Hurricane Irma passed over St Barth.
Some of you on SBHonline will certainly remember those days and the significant impact the storm had on the island.

In the 5th issue of Spirit of St Barth, we published an article looking back at Irma, its aftermath, and the remarkable recovery of St Barth in the months that followed. I thought it would be a good opportunity to share this article again with the SBHonline community.

https://issuu.com/spiritofstbarth/docs/spirit_of_st_barth_/71

“The show must go on!” Thank you for this re-post of the 5th issue of Spirit of St. Barth -- as always, wonderful photos & commentary.

 

[cec1]

I remember the aftermath of Irma well. Despite the devastation, it was a shining example of how the St Barth people come together to recover from an emergency situation. Remembering the guidance from my late friend Michel Ledee (“come, we need your money”, which really boils down to “just show up”) after Hurricane Luis, we found a way to come for Thanksgiving. Our patronage was much appreciated everywhere that we went. I think that the hugs were even more appreciated.

So generous of you having done so, Kevin & Kate!

 

[Libt]

That was one of the happiest and saddest weeks of my life. Irma was devastating to our property and to our wallets; this was true for everyone. After Irma, our daughter was married that following weekend. We didn't dare look at pictures of the damage from Irma until the newlyweds were on their honeymoon; we just couldn't. That was some kind of week.

 

[DaddyLeCool]

Yes, sad memories. A photo of the place where we spent the night before evacuating our house during the ‘eye’ (all five of us, including the children, took refuge in the bathroom on the left).

 

[cec1]

Yes, sad memories. A photo of the place where we spent the night before evacuating our house during the ‘eye’ (all five of us, including the children, took refuge in the bathroom on the left).


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It’s with a lot of empathy that I read your post . . . and gratitude for the safety of you & your family.

 

[didier]

I remember the storm well, very terrifying, and the first major storm I had witnessed. I was managing a villa at the time, and we had the place rented for that week. ( they had a contract from six months before) I had emailed the clients and asked them to change their plans as this would be a very powerful storm. I even offered them a refund for their villa. the clients wrote back to me and said they would come anyway as they had a contract.

the clients arrived a couple of days before the storm. I met them at the airport. I again asked them to change their plans again, offered a refund and I would pay for their flights back. They again refused , and asked me a question ( will there be a few days of nice weather before the storm for their beach plans?) I looked at both of them with startled amazement, and responded that the storm coming could stop any vacation that they had planned.

this couple came outside the villa during the hour and a half eye , which was calm except for the ocean water that kept climbing onto the roadway. when the storm started again, they rushed inside the villa without closing the door and that door was ripped away immediately.

Long story short, you never want to be in a hurricane even if you live here. this was my first and will be my last, next hurricane, I will be out of here days before it arrives. the airport was up and running within a few days. good job st. barths!

 

[amyb]

I remember the storm well, very terrifying, and the first major storm I had witnessed. I was managing a villa at the time, and we had the place rented for that week. ( they had a contract from six months before) I had emailed the clients and asked them to change their plans as this would be a very powerful storm. I even offered them a refund for their villa. the clients wrote back to me and said they would come anyway as they had a contract.

the clients arrived a couple of days before the storm. I met them at the airport. I again asked them to change their plans again, offered a refund and I would pay for their flights back. They again refused , and asked me a question ( will there be a few days of nice weather before the storm for their beach plans?) I looked at both of them with startled amazement, and responded that the storm coming could stop any vacation that they had planned.

this couple came outside the villa during the hour and a half eye , which was calm except for the ocean water that kept climbing onto the roadway. when the storm started again, they rushed inside the villa without closing the door and that door was ripped away immediately.

Long story short, you never want to be in a hurricane even if you live here. this was my first and will be my last, next hurricane, I will be out of here days before it arrives. the airport was up and running within a few days. good job st. barths!

Well played, Diana!

 

[elgreaux]

Yes but most of the locals stay as you need to be there to deal with any damage immediately - and it's not like you can get in your car and drive anyplace to get away...

 

[cec1]

Yes but most of the locals stay as you need to be there to deal with any damage immediately - and it's not like you can get in your car and drive anyplace to get away...

I think you’re so correct, Ellen. I wasn’t here for day / night of Irma, but was here within days in order to help in clean-up & making decisions about repairs to CEC. The community spirit was amazing as people helped one another in recovery.

 

[didier]

Yes but most of the locals stay as you need to be there to deal with any damage immediately - and it's not like you can get in your car and drive anyplace to get away...

damage I can deal with later.....loss of life I cannot. I knew a couple who worked at the airport that got out of their home seconds before it imploded during Irma. they lost everything, being here was not a plus for them. I was here for Irma....I won't be here for any future cat 4 or 5.