where at least 18 people were dead and thousands left homeless. Warships and planes were sent with food, water and troops after the hurricane smashed homes, schools and roads, laying waste to some of the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations.

Nine people have died, seven are missing and 112 injured on the French islands of St Martin and St Barts, the French interior minister, Gérard Collomb, said.

Homes on St Martin were splintered and road signs scattered by the strong winds, while cafes and shops in the seaside town of Marigot were submerged in flood water. Rescue teams had yet to cover the entire area of damage, meaning the death toll could rise.



Irma's destruction: island by island Read more

The US consulate general in Curacao said it believed about 6,000 Americansmajor and life-threatening impacts from coast to coast. Regardless of which coast you live on, be prepared to evacuate.”

Two Dutch navy ships were in Sint Maarten with essential supplies. And two Dutch military aircraft were being sent to Curacao and on to Sint Maarten to deliver food and water intended to last the 40,000-strong population five days. The aircraft were carrying 100 extra troops to deliver aid and repair infrastructure.



Britain was sending hundreds of troops and the Royal Navy flagship HMS Ocean to Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands.

In Anguilla, officials reported extensive damage to the airport, hospitals, shelters and schools and said 90% of roads were impassable.

On Barbuda, nearly every building was damaged when the hurricane’s core crossed almost directly over the island early on Wednesday.