More than 500,000 British nationals have been in the path of Hurricane Irma, a minister has said.
Foreign minister Sir Alan Duncan told the Commons that 997 British military personnel are now in the Caribbean helping with the relief effort.
He added that while the death toll was low for a storm of this magnitude, the infrastructure on the island of Barbuda “no longer exists”.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is visiting the British territories devastated by the hurricane.
Sir Alan said: “Over 500,000 British nationals, either residents or tourists, have been in the path of Hurricane Irma, which has caused devastation across an area spanning well over 1,000 miles.”
Giving an update to MPs, Sir Alan said five people had died in the British Virgin Islands and four in Anguilla.
Mr Johnson is expected to visit these British territories in the coming days.
In addition to the military personnel, 47 British police officers have also arrived in the British Virgin Islands to assist local officers.
Already, 20 tonnes of UK aid has arrived in the region, including more than 2,500 shelter kits and 2,300 solar lanterns.
Nine tonnes of food and water supplies are due to be flown out to Anguilla imminently, Sir Alan said.
Claudia Knight and Leo Whitting who live on Tortola (PA Picture desk)
He added that HMS Ocean, Britain’s biggest warship in service, is heading to the Caribbean and should be there within 10 days.
There were 420,000 British citizens in Florida either as residents or visitors, where Hurricane Irma also caused devastation.
“We should all be humble in the face of the power of nature, and whatever relief we are able to provide will not be enough for many who have lost so much,” said Sir Alan.
“But hundreds of dedicated British public servants are doing their utmost to help, and they will not relent in their efforts.”
Giving an update to MPs, Sir Alan said five people had died in the British Virgin Islands and four in Anguilla.
Mr Johnson is expected to visit these British territories in the coming days.
In addition to the military personnel, 47 British police officers have also arrived in the British Virgin Islands to assist local officers.
Already, 20 tonnes of UK aid has arrived in the region, including more than 2,500 shelter kits and 2,300 solar lanterns.
Nine tonnes of food and water supplies are due to be flown out to Anguilla imminently, Sir Alan said.
He added that HMS Ocean, Britain’s biggest warship in service, is heading to the Caribbean and should be there within 10 days.
There were 420,000 British citizens in Florida either as residents or visitors, where Hurricane Irma also caused devastation.
“We should all be humble in the face of the power of nature, and whatever relief we are able to provide will not be enough for many who have lost so much,” said Sir Alan.
“But hundreds of dedicated British public servants are doing their utmost to help, and they will not relent in their efforts.”