What You Need To Know About The Tiny Caribbean Island Hurricane Irma Hit Directly

On early Wednesday morning, news emerged that the powerful Hurricane Irma passed directly over Barbuda, a tiny Caribbean island, potentially causing massive destruction. Many people on social media and otherwise are very concerned for the welfare of the island's residents and have been clamoring to know more information about the island, including where exactly Barbuda is located and how its residents are faring in Irma's wake.

Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the Leeward Island chain at the northeast end of the Sea. Barbuda lies in the northern part of the island chain. The island comprises half of the state known as Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua, Barbuda's counterpart, lies south of Barbuda.

The island is quite small, with an area of around only 62 square miles. According to its 2011 census, the island has a population of around 1600 people. The island also regularly attracts tourists due to its tropical climate.

Barbuda was reportedly directly in Hurricane Irma's path as the storm first made landfall in the Caribbean. Indeed, the eye of the hurricane seemed to pass directly over the tiny island. As Express reported, the seas around the island reportedly rose more than two meters as the hurricane hit, which is certainly a significant cause for concern, as the island only stands at 38 meters above sea level at its highest point.

Social media users as well as media outlets have expressed concern that there has reportedly been no communication from anyone in Barbuda since the hurricane hit the island. However, as Express noted, this lack of communication could be due to downed power lines and mobile phone signals, which could hinder residents' ability to communication with those outside Barbuda.

ABS TV, which is located in Antigua but broadcasts to Barbuda, has been closely tracking Irma's impact on the Caribbean islands. The outlet noted on its Facebook page at around 6 a.m. local time that it was still trying to get in touch with Barbuda officials, as well as reported that it was still awaiting communication from Barbuda in a recent live broadcast.

Moreover, the network also posted on its page at around 7 a.m. local time that the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has not yet provided an all clear and that Barbuda is still experiencing high winds.

Hopefully, more information about the status of Barbuda and its residents post-Irma will quickly arrive. Many people are anxiously awaiting news about the Caribbean island and are very much hoping that those who live in Barbuda are safe.