A fisherman throws a rope across boats damaged by Hurricane Beryl, at Bridgetown Fisheries, Barbados, on Tuesday. Beryl, a Category 4-5 storm which had torn through the southeast Caribbean since Sunday, hit Jamaica on Wednesday.

Aid agencies reported that seven people had been killed in Grenada, Venezuela and St Vincent & The Grenadines, and more fatalities were expected owing to the severe strength of the storm. A “devastating trail” of damage is evident.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who is due to visit Jamaica and the Cayman Islands later this month, posted on X on Tuesday that he was grieved to hear of the storm’s impact. “We pray for swift help to support those who need it, and for the safety of the brave aid workers in carrying out their work.”

The Anglican Alliance have called for prayer and support for the island communities. The Alliance’s Caribbean Facilitator, Clifton Nedd, said on Wednesday: “It is heartbreaking to see the images and videos that are emerging. There will be a fuller assessment in daylight hours. The destruction appears to be total, and the impacts are physical, material and psychological.”