USAID is supporting response efforts in St. Martin after Hurricane Irma destroyed nearly all of the island’s infrastructure.

Martin Bureau / AFP

Key Developments

On September 6, Hurricane Irma passed over the island of St. Martin, which comprises Saint-Martin, a French overseas collectivity, and Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The hurricane caused widespread, significant damage and at least 14 fatalities on the island. Destruction of the island’s infrastructure disrupted residents’ access to essential public services, including electricity, water, and telecommunications. Hurricane Jose followed Hurricane Irma across the eastern Caribbean, passing approximately 75 miles northwest of St. Martin on September 9 and resulting in minimal direct impacts.

U.S. Embassy in Paris Chargé d’Affaires D. Brent Hardt issued a disaster declaration for French Saint-Martin on September 9, and U.S. Embassy in The Hague Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley issued a disaster declaration for Sint Maarten on September 10, due to the effects of Hurricane Irma and the anticipated effects of Hurricane Jose. In response, USAID/OFDA provided a combined $200,000 to address the most urgent humanitarian needs in Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten.

On September 12, nine members of USAID’s regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) arrived on the island of St. Martin to evaluate hurricane-related damages and coordinate USG response efforts with the Government of the Netherlands, the Government of France, relief organizations, and other stakeholders. In addition, USAID maintains a Washington, D.C.-based Response Management Team to support the DART and coordination of the USG response.

Learn more about USAID's Caribbean Hurricanes response efforts