With the tail end of Hurricane Maria still being felt, Royal Marines from 40 Commando were straight out across the Island to ensure critical routes were clear and they understood what the islanders needed.

With heavy rain and driving winds through the night it was crucial that both remote and main routes were clear of debris and unblocked if flooded. It was also vital to understand the effect this weather had had on the local people and what they were in greatest need of, allowing intelligent aid distribution.

The team also handed out more of the DFID shelter packs, allowing short term roofing for people while the rebuild process starts.

In early September 2017 Hurricane Irma moved through the Caribbean region, causing absolute devastation wherever it landed. The British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the British Virgin Islands suffered lasting damage.

All three services and other government departments, along with hundreds of troops were involved in the huge humanitarian effort. Ships, planes and helicopters delivered tonnes of supplies to the UK nationals and locals caught up in the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

• Organization: Royal Navy
• Object Name: BB170057019
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Reconstruction, Humanitarian, Operations, Royal Marines, People, Security
• Keywords: Wet, Climate, Weather, Caribbean Sea, Humanitarian Aid, BVI, British Vigin Islands, Tortola, Disaster Relief, Operation Ruman, Caribbean, Hurricane IRMA, Hurricane MARIA, Debris, Timber, Standing Water, Road, Torrent, Houses, Sand, Beach, Waterfront, Power lines, Phone lines, devastation
• Country: BVI