USA : HURRICANE LUIS WREAKS HAVOC IN THE CARIBBEAN

Описание: (9 Sep 1995) English/Nat

Hurricane Luis continues to wreak havoc in the Caribbean.

The death toll continues to rise as rescuers search for the dozens who are missing.

Only days ago St Martin was a pristine vacation spot for wealthy tourists.

Today (Saturday) the island was a jumble of yachts, houseboats and shanty towns ruined by the storm.

The deadly hurricane Luis has devastated the Caribbean Island of St Martin.

So far 16 deaths have been reported with many people still missing.

The hurricane tossed scores of yachts and houseboats across piers and beaches.


SOUNDBITE:
"The aftermath is that everyone we spoke to now at least nine out of ten lost their homes at least the roof of their house it has been pretty bad.
SUPERCAPTION: Robert Gilmoor, St. Martin.

So far, reporters have been denied access to the island - making a recent death toll difficult to obtain.

However, authorities conceded many more people may have died than the official death tolls indicate.

On top of the deaths and dozens of missing, many St Martin residents have been cited for looting.

As a result, some yacht owners, most of whom are from North America and Europe refused to abandon their vessels.

One Virginia resident described the effects of Luis.

SOUNDBITE:
"This was the private beach for the resort over there was the reef where you used to be able to snorkel and here was sand."

SUPERCAPTION: John Kemprowoski, Virginia Resident.

A honeymooner described her experiences on St Martin after the Hurricane struck.

SOUNDBITE:
"They called us all together and we stayed in this shelter over here for I guess about 46 hours and during that time period it just got worse and worse water started leaking through the roof. We are really fortunate everyone is still alive here no one is really hurt we have been fed like kings and queens. Our chef's been cooking steak."

SUPERCAPTION: PJ Gaad, On Honeymoon.

Leo Chance of the Dutch Antilles promised speedy aid to St Martin.

SOUNDBITE:
"As you know the whole island has been devastated by Luis and we from the government are busy for getting as much help as we can Holland and other places that are willing to help."
SUPERCAPTION: Leo Chance, Dutch Antilles.

Saturday Luis was heading toward Bermuda.

The storm is not expected to hit the United States mainland, but the
National Weather Service warned of heavy surf and coastal flooding
from Florida to southern New England.

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