The Indian cricket team, known as the Men in Blue, has been stranded in Barbados since Sunday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The storm, which intensified significantly, caused widespread disruptions, including power outages and airport closures. The team, along with their families, had been celebrating their victory in the recent series, but their return journey was delayed by the severe weather conditions.
However, there is hope on the horizon. Prime Minister Mia Mottley has assured that the Barbados airport is expected to become operational within the next 6 to 12 hours. This will allow the Indian team to finally return home. Mottley has been personally overseeing relief efforts and has been in constant contact with airport personnel to ensure a swift resumption of normal operations.
The hurricane, which was initially classified as Category 3, has intensified to a dangerous Category 4. It has caused significant damage across the Winward Islands and has unfortunately claimed one life. The storm’s intensity has resulted in intense rainfall and widespread power outages, further complicating the situation.
Despite the severity of the hurricane, the storm did not make landfall in Barbados, which has significantly limited the damage. However, the Prime Minister has acknowledged that coastal infrastructure and assets have suffered considerable damage.
While the Indian team and their families are expected to return home soon, the people of Barbados are facing a long and challenging recovery process. The country is bracing for another hurricane, expected to hit on Wednesday, adding to the already stressful situation. Mottley has emphasized the importance of immediate recovery efforts and cleanup operations, acknowledging that the situation could have been much worse.
