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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 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. | |
The storm made landfall on Friday, with rain and 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 second storm in a week to hit the island. | |
Damaged trees | |
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 also caused flooding, felled trees and damaged buildings. | |
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 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. | |
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. |
Earlier last week, Tropical Storm Fay damaged homes and knocked down trees and power lines. | |
"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. |
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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