Jersey residents stuck in hurricane disaster zone

The British Virgin Islands – where a number of Jersey finance and legal firms have bases – has declared a state of emergency.

One couple – Tim and Shona Ringsdore – are understood to be trapped in their home after doors were blocked by fallen trees and buildings.

The roof and top floor of the property was ripped off in the storm – one of the strongest ever recorded – and nearby buildings were reduced to rubble.

Irma passed over the British overseas territories of Anguilla, Montserrat and the BVI on Wednesday night – and went on to hit the UK islands of Turks and Caicos on Thursday evening.

It is currently heading towards Cuba, where a number of tourists, including Jersey residents, have been evacuated. Irma is expected to strike southern Florida at the weekend.

A number of Islanders are trying to contact friends and relatives in the area but are struggling after phone lines and internet connections went down.

Mourant Ozannes, Collas Crill and Ogier have all confirmed that their BVI offices are closed.

Edward Mackereth, global managing partner at Ogier, said: ‘Our BVI office is temporarily closed, due to Hurricane Irma.

‘We are in contact with our team and are supporting them and others from our Jersey and Cayman offices, and are continuing to support our clients through our BVI-qualified teams in Europe and Asia. Our thoughts are with all of the people affected at this time.’

The UK government has released £32 million of funding to help the overseas territories.

And Jersey’s Chief Minister, Ian Gorst, has announced that a local disaster appeal is to be set up to support those affected.

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