Food, Water Shortages Sparks Violence In Caribbean After Hurricane Irma

Following the passage of Hurricane Irma and Jose in the Caribbean, violence has erupted in St. Martin as residents scavenged for food and water. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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According to reports, in a desperate fight for goods needed for survival, residents, some of which were armed, rummaged through the destruction of the powerful storm to salvage anything that was left of value. The region had suffered massive food and water shortages, in addition to power outages and lack of phone service. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“All the food is gone now,” a 63-year-old resident said. People are fighting in the streets for what is left.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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On Sunday, both French and Dutch government officials held an emergency meeting to discuss a remedy for the situation. President Emmanuel Macron of France announced that he would double France’s troops deployment to the overseas French territory to increase the response and relief efforts. Meanwhile, Dutch officials increased police presence on the streets to limit the looting and maintain order in the region. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In addition, the U.S. government said it will be sending a flight Monday to evacuate its citizens from the island. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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According to the NY Times, two more bodies were found on the Dutch side of the island, which increased the death toll to at least 27. However, residents believe that Hurricane Irma has claimed the lives of many more.