By the Caribbean Journal staff
Hurricane Irma passed over Anguilla in the early morning hours on Wednesday, dumping heavy rains and strong winds, and causing significant damage.
There was no loss of life, the country’s Tourist Board said in a preliminary statement.
The extent of physical damage was still not yet known though clearly widespread.
Anguilla’s Clayton J Lloyd International Airport did not sustain any “serious” damage, although it has not yet reopened.
Anguilla’s Blowing Point and Road Bay seaports also remained closed until further notice .
As for the island’s tourism sector, it appears that its major resorts are “relatively intact,” although many private residences sustained some damage.
Most of the island’s hotels are closed at this time of year, meaning far fewer tourists were on the island.
“The Anguilla Tourist Board will continue to monitor the on-island situation and issue specific property updates as more details become available,” it said.