Indian Cricket Team Welcomed as Heroes Following Hurricane Beryl Stranding

The Indian men’s cricket team returned to a warm reception in New Delhi on Thursday after being stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, had secured the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa on Sunday. Their return was delayed by three days due to the storm, a Category 4 hurricane, which caused significant damage and led to airport closures in the Caribbean.

The team was celebrated with dhol beats, flower bouquets, and cakes upon their arrival. Fans eagerly monitored their journey home, with the flight from Barbados being the most tracked on Flightradar24.

Upon arriving, the cricketers met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and are scheduled for a victory parade in Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced a significant cash bonus for the squad.

Following their World Cup triumph, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 internationals.

Hurricane Beryl’s Devastation in the Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 3 storm, has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, causing widespread destruction and leading to at least eight fatalities. The hurricane brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, severely impacting areas like Grenada, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Carriacou in Grenada and Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reported severe damage to infrastructure and homes, with Grenada’s Prime Minister describing the situation as dire.

Jamaica saw significant power outages and road blockages due to fallen trees and utility poles. The hurricane’s impact prompted the closure of airports and led local authorities to issue evacuation orders and place the island under a state of emergency. The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Beryl’s path as it heads towards Mexico and possibly the US.

Travel advisories and flight cancellations have been issued, affecting numerous travellers in the region. Local governments and international agencies are urging residents and tourists to follow safety protocols and remain indoors until conditions improve.