Union Island death toll from Hurricane Beryl increases

The number of people believed to have died during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on Union Island has increased by four.

The major hurricane flattened most of the structures in the Southern Grenadines and resulted in life threatening injuries to some residents.

Last week, police confirmed that a Union Island man died after he was struck in the chest by debris when the roof blew off.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that four other residents, all males, also died as a result of Beryl-related injuries.

One man is said to have been crushed when part of his home fell on him, while two other men were fatally injured by flying debris. A fourth man sustained an injury to his hand and reportedly bled out.

Residents tell SEARCHLIGHT the discoveries of the bodies came to light in recent days as clean-up efforts get underway on the island.

Reports are that an elderly woman also died on Union Island but her death is said to be unrelated to the hurricane.