Hurricane Irma: British military deploying a task group to provide support to the Caribbean By Rachel Roberts and Tim Abington The British military is deploying a task group to provide support to the Caribbean […]

By Rachel Roberts and Tim Abington

The British military is deploying a task group to provide support to the Caribbean following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

A group of “mixed expertise” will be sent to the region following the category five storm, which has killed at least 10 people and cut a trail of destruction, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

It comes after the government’s initial reaction to the hurricane – which was the worst to hit a British territory since the 1920s – was criticised as “disgraceful” and “pathetic”.

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At least eight killed

At least eight people were killed and 23 injured in French Caribbean island territories, while one death was reported on the nearby island of Anguilla – a British territory – that was among the first islands to be hit.

Michael Fallon said the UK was committed to helping those affected, deploying several hundred troops to the Caribbean and a second ship, HMS Ocean along with The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mounts Bay naval ship which was earlier deployed with humanitarian supplies.

Describing the clear-up and rebuilding of the islands as a “huge, long-term challenge”, he said it was difficult to obtain accurate information on the number of casualties. “But these are British people, these are British nationals, and we are going to help them as much as we can,” he told Sky News.

‘Absolutely disgraceful’

Speaking ahead of the Cobra meeting and funding announcement, Dorothea Hodge, the former UK EU representative for the government of Anguilla – a UK territory – said it was “absolutely disgraceful” that it had taken International Development Secretary Priti Patel a full day to officially respond to the hurricane.

Her comments were echoed by Anguilla resident Josephine Gumbs-Connor, a barrister, who said: “I am very disappointed. We are supposed to have a relationship – we are overseas territories, we are supposed to be of the same type of people as Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands.”

Strategic aircraft

An MoD spokesman said: “There will be a range of strategic aircraft, helicopters, and the task group will be made up of marines, engineers, medical advisers.

“The numbers and timelines of how many and when are still being worked out.

“We are also working out which airfields are available in the region.”

He added: “The aim is to offer support, hopefully clear the roads and get as much support there ahead of Hurricane Jose which is due in the coming days.”

Thousands of British tourists believed to be holidaying in the Caribbean have urged to follow evacuation orders, while states of emergency have been declared in Puerto Rico, Cuba and Florida.

Responding to criticism that not enough help was in place ahead of the hurricane, Sir Michael said RFA Mounts Bay is “already at work” clearing roads and helping to restore power.

He added: “We’re there and we’re helping, but obviously this is a huge challenge, more help is going to be needed and that’s what we’ve authorised today.”