Hurricane Ike: British Islands Await Navy Relief Effort

A Royal Navy frigate has been sent to the hurricane-hit Turks and Caicos Islands, a British territory in the Caribbean.

HMS Iron Duke is sending in rescue teams and Lynx helicopters in the wake of hurricane Ike yesterday and Hanna a few days earlier.

The islands' premier, Michael Misick, said Ike made an almost direct hit on Grand Turk island, damaging 80% of homes. Hundreds of people lost their roofs and many were hiding in cupboards and under stairwells "just holding on for life", he said. There have been no reports of death or injury.

When Ike hit, residents were still clearing up after a four-day battering from hurricane Hanna.

The British Red Cross has launched a fundraising appeal for the islands, where 750 from a population of 12,000 had lost their homes before Ike.

The charity has been running emergency shelters and providing food, clothing and tarpaulins, but supplies are running low.

Clive Evans, the British Red Cross manager for overseas territories, said: "These islands have not seen storms like this for 48 years, so many buildings in the poorer communities are unlikely to be able to withstand a category 3 or 4 hurricane."

The Iron Duke's captain, Commander Mark Newland, said: "Ahead of our arrival, we have conducted some outline planning, familiarized ourselves with the Turks and Caicos national disaster plan and opened dialog with the local emergency authorities."

He said the ship was in the Turks and Caicos Islands two weeks ago to discuss disaster relief planning with the government. "We can now mobilize our teams more effectively and with much greater speed, knowing the exact areas of expertise required."