Hurricane Irma devastates Caribbean Island of Barbuda

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Thursday, September 7, 2017
Aerials of destruction in Barbuda
Aerials of destruction in Barbuda following Hurricane Irma (ABS (Barbuda Government video)

BARBUDA (WABC) -- Authorities are struggling to get aid to small Caribbean islands devastated by the storm's record 185 mph (298 kph) winds earlier Wednesday.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne says nearly every building on Barbuda was damaged when the hurricane's core crossed almost directly over the island early Wednesday and about 60 percent of the island's roughly 1,400 people are homeless.

He says a 2-year-old child was killed as a family tried to escape a damaged home during the storm.