Hurricane Irma Thrashed Virgin Islands National Park

September 7, 2017

A report from Virgin Islands National Park in the wake of Hurricane Irma describes the island of St. John as suffering "total devastation."

The report, relayed through a ranger at Biscayne National Park, was from a ranger at Virgin Islands.

"I stayed in park housing with others and we are all safe. Our houses are destroyed and we see that another hurricane is on the way," said the ranger. "We are hoping to be evacuated if we can figure out a way. Total devastation to the island. Our houses and structures are not habitable..We know the employees with us (about 20) are OK, but don't yet know about the rest. We will update when we can. Please send prayers and help!"

Normal Park Service channels were not functioning Thursday evening, and there was no update on Virgin Islands National Park's website or Facebook page.

According to the Virgin Islands Consortium media outlet, the hurricane unleashed "most of its damage on the St. Thomas-St. John District in the U.S. Virgin Islands."

A Facebook page set up specifically for information regarding Hurricane Irma and damage to the U.S. Virgin Islands carried numerous posts of family members looking for friends and loved ones.

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