Shattered Caribbean picks up the pieces after Irma

The massive destruction is widespread throughout the Caribbean. The Dutch government has sent in troops to the Dutch side of St. Martin after reports of widespread looting and robberies have emerged. The British government is also getting criticized for what many residents and tourists are calling a slow response to its territories.

Most of the island of St. Martin is either severely damaged or destroyed. Thankful tourists rescued in St. Martin by the 106th Rescue Wing with the New York Air National Guard out of Long Island expressed their gratitude with applause.

The 101st Rescue Squadron with the New York Air National Guard is also helping to rescue those who are stranded in St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas and St. John sustained substantial damage. Now residents and tourists are looking for gas, food, and water.

Video from Anguilla shows waves crashing through a home as Hurricane Irma pummeled the island.

Many homes on St. Barts are destroyed.  

Cuba is seeing flooding, uprooted trees, and downed power lines. The U.S. Embassy sustained some damage. The American flag was ripped apart by the fierce winds.

English billionaire Richard Branson posted pictures of the devastation left behind on his private Caribbean island. Branson rode out the hurricane in his wine cellar.