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Hurricane Gonzalo: Bermuda 'bruised' by direct hit Hurricane Gonzalo: Bermuda 'bruised' by direct hit
(about 9 hours later)
Bermudans are clearing up after a direct hit from Hurricane Gonzalo left a trail of damage in its wake on the tiny Atlantic territory. Bermudans are clearing up after a direct hit from Hurricane Gonzalo downed power lines and damaged buildings on the tiny Atlantic territory.
Bermuda was "bruised" but came out of the storm better than expected, Premier Michael Dunkley said in a radio broadcast. Bermuda was "bruised" but came out of the storm better than expected, Premier Michael Dunkley said.
The storm made landfall on Friday, with strong winds and rain causing power cuts for most residents. The storm made landfall on Friday, with rain and 175km/h (110mph) winds.
Only minor injuries were reported in the wake of 175km/h (110mph) winds. Only minor injuries were reported in what was the strongest storm to hit the island in a decade.
It was the strongest storm to hit the British overseas territory in a decade. It was the second storm in a week to hit the island.
Initially a category 4 storm, Hurricane Gonzalo was downgraded to category 2 on Friday as it weakened on its approach to Bermuda. Damaged trees
It caused power cuts to 31,200 homes, but two-thirds had had their electricity restored by Saturday afternoon, according to the Bermuda Electric Company. Gonzalo caused power cuts to 31,200 homes, although two-thirds of people had their electricity restored by Saturday afternoon, according to the Bermuda Electric Company.
The hurricane caused flooding, felled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, including the island's main hospital. The hurricane also caused flooding, felled trees and damaged buildings.
Bermuda's international airport closed in anticipation of the storm and many roads were closed after being blocked by falling debris. Initially a category 4 storm as it approached the island, Hurricane Gonzalo weakened and was downgraded to a category 2 storm on Friday before it made landfall on the British overseas territory.
The main hospital saw some damage to its roof but otherwise fared well, Mr Dunkley said. The international airport in Bermuda, which is a British overseas territory, closed ahead of the storm and many roads were closed after being blocked by falling debris.
"As far as roads and infrastructure, we are in a much better position than many people might have thought," he said, adding that the damage could be replaced, that thankfully no lives were lost, and only minor injuries were reported. The main hospital saw some damage to its roof but otherwise fared well, Premier Dunkley said.
"As far as roads and infrastructure, we are in a much better position than many people might have thought," he said.
The Royal Navy has deployed a frigate, HMS Argyll, along with trained medical personnel to help with the provision of humanitarian assistance in Bermuda, the UK Ministry of Defence said.The Royal Navy has deployed a frigate, HMS Argyll, along with trained medical personnel to help with the provision of humanitarian assistance in Bermuda, the UK Ministry of Defence said.
It said the ship was en route to Bermuda, where it will help recover power, communications and water supplies, while a helicopter on the ship will carry out surveillance over the island.It said the ship was en route to Bermuda, where it will help recover power, communications and water supplies, while a helicopter on the ship will carry out surveillance over the island.
Two storms in a week Earlier last week, Tropical Storm Fay damaged homes and knocked down trees and power lines.
Just days earlier, Tropical Storm Fay damaged homes and knocked down trees and power lines there.
"To be struck twice by two different cyclones is unusual, to say the least," said Max Mayfield, a former director of the US National Hurricane Center in Miami."To be struck twice by two different cyclones is unusual, to say the least," said Max Mayfield, a former director of the US National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Bermuda, an affluent island chain in the western Atlantic Ocean, is a popular tourist destination as well as a global hub for insurance companies and frequently sees strong tropical storms.
Are you in Bermuda? Have you been affected by the hurricane? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Bermuda? Have you been affected by the hurricane? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (international). Or you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (international). Or you can upload here.
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