PHILIPSBURG:--- Hurricane Gonzalo did severe damage to St. Maarten/St. Martin on Monday night. The heavier gusts of wind and rain started around 9pm. Trees, light poles and other electrical poles were uprooted. Most of the damage on the French side occurred in French Quarter, the Spring and Grand Case. On the Dutch side of the island several huge trees were uprooted, light poles fell across the roads leaving several roads inaccessible. So far police confirmed that they found the lifeless body of a man at Boca Marina. It is believed that he was in the boat yard when he was struck by a small yacht. According to the Prefecture up to Tuesday afternoon 19 people remain unaccounted for, 16 from St. Barths and 3 from St. Martin.
Police on St. Maarten worked most of the night with the Dutch Marechaussee who provided assistance to keep the island and its residents as safe as possible. However, the police department (KPSM) sustained severe damages to several vehicles that were damaged by a fallen roof. It is also reported that several residents on both sides of the island received severe damage to their homes and vehicles.
On Wednesday afternoon SMN News learned from the Prefecture of St. Martin that 17 of the persons that were previously missing since passing of Hurricane Gonzalo have been found. So far two persons remain missing. One from St. Martin and the other is from St. Barthelemy.
Click here to view photos of damage caused by Hurricane Gonzalo.
