Almost two weeks on from devastating Hurricane Irma that slammed into the Caribbean Islands severely damaging everything in its path, the local population of the most affected regions are struggling to comprehend the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
The world famous St Maarten/Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) sustained a massive hit by the 200mph plus winds and huge storm surges associated with Irma as the hurricane made a direct hit on the joint Dutch/French island. The tourist mecca has been crippled by the event as outlined in the news article here and here
Relief efforts are in progress across the Caribbean ahead of yet another hurricane spawning over the warm Atlantic waters and aiming for the region.
Airlines and military support from across the Atlantic have provided airlift capacity to deliver aid and personnel and depart with those escaping the disaster zone. The most recent "exotic" visitor was a Royal Jordanian Airlines Dreamliner https://thepointsguy.com/2017/09/royal-jordanian-st-maarten/
Our collective thoughts are with all those so deeply impacted by this horrific natural disaster :-(
Thank you to Steadfast for forwarding this internet sourced images.
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| Perimeter fence in ruins at the threshold of runway 10. Thousands of tourists have clung to this fence to experience the exhilarating jet blast from departing aircraft. A C17 can be seen parked on the ramp outside the severely damaged terminal building. |
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| The famous Sunset Bar a scene of destruction, although the surfboard that is used as an airport information arrivals board still stands defiantly. |
Our family had the distinct pleasure of visiting SXM just under two years ago and this connection brings us a sense of significant sadness for those affected by this.
