This is what I have come up with as a compiled damage report. The below reports are mostly from ‘official’ sources, such as emails received from various resorts/management companies/etc., and based on my personal observation of pictures that I personally have seen. Comments from board members refers to TTOL board members. All information I believe to be correct, updated as of 1PM on Friday, September 8 I will attempt to update later.

Thanks to JD for helping me compile some of this stuff, especially the facebook stuff.

LASER 101 is back online, and providing information and up to date reports. Probably the best source of information right now.

NOTICE TO US CITIZENS
All US Citizens who are in St. Maarten need to register at http://travel.state.gov, click on Irma and go to Task Force. There are plans in place to safely evacuate all American citizens from the island. If you have an American loved one on the island please register them incase they do not have Internet access.

LOOTING is reported to be widespread throughout the island, apparently worse on the French side. A lady on Laser 101 today reported seeing NO gendarmes since the hurricane, but visible police presence on the Dutch side. There is a curfew on the Dutch side, not sure about the French side.


FRENCH SIDE
Seems to be hit worse than Dutch side. Difficult to do damage reports as damage is so widespread everywhere, Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Beach, etc.

OCEAN CLUB
Severe damage observed by pictures to the Tower Building and also to the poolside units.

DEATH TOLL
Death toll from ST. MARTIN is 6 from St. Martin and 2 from St. Barts. I think 4 from St. Maarten.

AIRPORT
Has suffered major interior damage. Some smaller relief planes have landed on the runway, from pictures seen. No idea if it is safe yet for larger planes. I would assume it will be quite some time before it is available for commercial use.


HARBOR
Unconfirmed reports of damage to the harbor, preventing large ships (think RELIEF ships, not cruise ships), from docking at this point.

LES BALCONS
I have not heard from David and Carine yet. I am an owner of one of the condos at Les Balcons. I did watch the video of the Marine Helicoper surveying the damage and at about the 3 minute mark, it shows Les Balcons and appears to me that the roofs of the condos survived the storm intact. I will post more when I know more.


VARIOUS BUSINESSES
Observations from pictures only
Ace Cole Bay—Roof appears intact
Car Dealer in Simpson Bay—Extensive, extensive damage, looks to be a total loss to me
Grand Marche—Saw one picture, roof appears to be intact, but I think before the second half of the storm passed
Carrefour in Cole Bay—Roof appears intact
Harley Dealer Cole Bay—Roof looks gone, walls gone, looks to be a total loss to me
Yacht Club by the bridge—Roof appears to be there, not sure what other damage
Cinema Building in Simpson Bay—Holes observed through side of building
Puerto Cupecoy—One aerial view, roofs appeared to be intact, large boats thrown about the marina
Pineapple Pete—Front awning hanging down, rest of building seemed to be there
Sunset Bar and Grill--Lots of roofs gone, but it's all open air

RAINBOW
Can't copy what was posted apparently, but it said that all buildings are standing, some damage to individual units and to common areas. Bill and Elaine have been spotted safe.

ATRIUM
Per an email I received from the Atrium - They did OK as far as damage, 15 - 20 rooms where the hurricane shutters were lost. Does not say how much damage beyond that other than they are having the place looked over to determine what is needed. They will be closed through October with no fees regarding cancellations and if you have a November or December reservation they are offering no fee cancellations.


CLUB ORIENT
Dear Shareholders,

It's ugly!

Steve and Bert just returned to GCBC from a visit to Club Orient.
Their findings include the following:

All wood units are gone. Presumably the slabs are left, but the buildings are gone.

Gatehouse is gone. In its place is a huge pile of debris that landed there from the winds.

Pedro concrete wall … gone

Concrete buildings survived. Roofs gone or damaged.

Except for the waterfront chalets 46-52 … They are gone. No sign of where they went.

The new beach goes from the water's edge back to where the studios used to be. It's about 200 feet.

Hurricane shutters on units left are gone as well as the contents of all the houses … presumably sucked out by the wind … no sign of where the furniture, cabinets, appliances, etc., went.

The units' contents have been stripped by the hurricane.

The villa is standing … no further detail.

Papagayo is standing but may not be sound structurally. All the contents are gone.

The utility plant is covered with debris so Bert and Steve could not get a close look at the generators, switch panel, etc. It looks like there was about 5' of water in that area, which means salvaging the electric plant is in doubt.

The reception building is still standing. The front desk and other furnishings are gone.

The tennis courts are gone.

Steve and Bert drove through Orient Village where most of the buildings are standing but the contents of the first floors that they could see into are gone.

Looters beat Steve and Bert to the resort. They were clearing out the Boutique. We let them take the contents because presumably they need the stuff worse than we do!

I will continue to keep you updated as new information comes in.
Steve took about 100 pictures but has no way to transmit them until Internet service is restored.

According to Frédéric Lecomte, our Paris attorney, the French media are reporting that 95% of the island is destroyed.

We have a huge job in front of us. We will need a lot of out-of-the-box thinking to reinvent Club Orient … better than ever.

BEACHSIDE VILLAS
Just posted by Tracy Thursday afternoon
"We have had contact with Emmanuel!!!! He was able to make his way to Beachside. He reports that the front gate is gone. The office and Marvlyn's office is gone. The Villas are intact and will need some roof repair ,but that structure wise they look good!!! The pool and gazebo also remain! The gardens have been wiped out as expected. We hope to see images in the next couple days, but hopefully sooner! Thank you for all your support and prayers. St Maarten & Beachside will rise again !; Lets's pray Jose goes easy on us!"

Thank god, after so much devastation!!!



SONESTA MAHO, OCEAN POINT AND GREAT BAY BEACH RESORT
STATEMENT FROM SONESTA SINT MAARTEN RESORTS REGARDING HURRICANE IRMA’S AFTERMATH
SINT MAARTEN (6 SEPTEMBER 2017) – Hurricane Irma passed over the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten as a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

All guests and staff of Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Casino & Spa, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino are safe and unharmed.
The damages to our resorts however are severe, as is widespread damage and destruction on our beloved island of Sint Maarten. Severe damage has also occurred at Princess Juliana International Airport, and we do not have news as to when the airport will resume operations.

The Sonesta St. Maarten executive team and management are doing their best to assist guests who are at the resorts to remain safe, secure, and as comfortable as possible until they are able to depart Sint Maarten—this is our primary concern. Guests are currently in on-property safe areas at the resorts.
Due to the damages the resorts suffered, all further reservations from now through the end of 2017 will be cancelled.

All prep-paid reservations from now through the end of 2017 will be refunded as soon as we can restore operations, pending future updates and situation assessment. All other reservations will be treated according to the cancellation policy of the reservation. For more information, please call 1-800-SONESTA.

Any information regarding island-wide initiatives or evacuation is pending government statement and instructions.
We will provide more details as soon as we are able to make better assessment of the damages.
End of Sonesta official note

My comments--Sonesta Great Bay—visual confirmation most of the roof appears to be gone
Sonesta Maho—Walls and roofs appear to be open to the elements in many places
ROYAL ISLANDER appears to be relatively intact

DIVI LITTLE BAY RESORT
From Elisa Cohen--I was here in SXM for Hurricane Luis and spent it in Orient Bay on the french side. Irma has far surpassed Luis. We were prepared and ready but it didnt really matter. I spent my hurricane at Divi Little Bay Resort as I am the restaurants manager on the property. Luckily no one was injured but it was and is a long arduous experience. We are currently almost 300 people stuck in the resort. The airport is closed and we need to feed these guests and provide shelter and water to them till they can get off the island.

Further comments from the Resort--We have had further contact with our resort management team and all guests and staff are safe and well, including those who elected to not move to our main building.

The generator is running and food and water is available and damage assessments have started.

We will provide further updates as they become available.

We appreciate your continued support and patience during this time.

Just a quick update following Hurricane Irma:
We are happy to confirm again that guests and staff are safe, with no serious injuries. Fortunately, there is electricity from the generator, as well as limited wifi service. At this time, the Resort will remain closed until we are able to fully assess the damage. The safety and comfort of everyone on property is a top priority.
We thank you for your continued support.

LA VISTA RESORT
La Vista: Comment from resort--La Vista has sustained some very serious damage during the first half of this storm. We will remain in contact when we can. Keep us in your thoughts for the remained of the storm. We are currently in the eye.
1The Penthouse did not survive well during the storm. We will rebuild!

La Vista staff are all safe and sound. Heavy damage to the Penthouses and Deluxes with many of the roofs gone. Waves were crashing over the roof of the beach resort. We will update as we can.

Thank you all for the outpouring of love and support.
The damage is extensive here. We are safe for now. More updates will come as we get ourselves organized. Again thank you for the outpouring of love and support

MARY'S BOON
Reports of major damage, resort ‘gone’, which are apparently incorrect. Pictures show at least some of the rooms appear to be intact.

Comment from a board member “Everyone is safe ,even the dogs and cats. I heard from the GM on the property that the hotel had damage to a few roofs mainly just the zinc gone and the only wooden building with 2 rooms they had was gone. A few of the lower rooms had 2 feet of water. The main building and the other buildings had little or no serious damage. Just a big clean up. Nothing like the hurricane they had in 1999 that sat on the island for a day or longer that destroyed much of the hotel. Obviously after that they rebuilt the hotel very strong.”

HORNY TOAD
Had a long talk with Betty this morning. First the good news: Debbie and her husband Doug were off island and are OK. Cherry, a longtime employee and manager is also safe.

The damage to the Horny Toad is severe. The smaller building where the owner/manager office was located is no more.
The second floor of the main building is gone. There is so much debris that no one has been able to view the building from a water view.

There is not enough information to make any long term decisions. Let's all hope we Toadys will return.
HOTEL BEACH PLAZA Marigot
From pictures, most of the roof appears to be gone

SEA PALACE—Philipsburg
From pictures, roof appears to be intact but there is some damage

VILLAS ON GREAT BAY
Some damage to roofs observed in pictures.

SOL GAS STATION COLE BAY
Roof over pumps is gone, can’t tell condition of building

PEOPLE
Dino Jagtiani and family are safe
Bruno Lemoine and family are safe

OBBR
Official report from resort--We are pleased to report that all guests, employees and other visitors are safe with no reported injuries. We are extremely proud of and thankful for our dedicated managers and staff for their heroic efforts in making sure that everyone was able to safely weather a very powerful and dangerous storm.

The phone service still doesn’t work at OBBR but is functional in other parts of the Island. We don’t know when communications to Oyster Bay will be restored, but we expect it to be within 24 hours. The airport is currently closed, and we don’t know when it will reopen. It is a top priority for the Island Government to reopen the airport so the Island guests can be safely evacuated. We will report on its re-opening as soon as we hear. We know that there are anxious people who would like to leave as soon as possible.
The Resort suffered significant damage that will take some time to repair and rebuild. We are very anxious to begin the process as we are totally committed to rebuilding and repairing the entire resort. We are already making plans to do so. The Managing Directors along with our architect and interior designer intend to be on the first flight into St. Maarten to plan, along with the Island staff and Managers, the rebuilding of OBBR. We do not know yet when we will be able to begin taking reservations for guests, exchangers, and owners but we will make every effort to open the resort as soon as possible. We will know more after we fully evaluate the condition of the resort and vital infrastructure.

We are in touch with Interval International who is committed to finding alternative accommodations for your vacations as we begin the rebuilding phase. We will provide more detail on how to make a reservation at another resort through Interval International in the next several days. We look forward to the completion of the reconstruction and making Oyster Bay an even better resort than before Irma. We will provide regular updates as we learn more about the condition of the property and the time frame for the re-opening.
Best wishes to all:
Mike Dolente
Joshua Gold
Managing Directors

ROYAL PALM and FLAMINGO
Official from resort--Hurricane Irma: All members, owners and guests at our Royal Palm Beach and Flamingo Beach resorts in St. Maarten are accounted for, and we are actively checking in on our team members and their families. We continue to take the necessary precautions and are following all government orders

Comment from resort--we understand everyones concerns and our main priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of our onsite guests and team members. The extent of any damages will start to be assessed and anyone with forthcoming reservations will of course be contacted individually. Over the next hours/days we will get a better understanding of the damages sustained to the resorts and surrounding areas - we will ensure regular updates are provided as and when we receive them.
Comment from TTOL board member--Royal Palm had a lot of water damage on lower floors. Potential for a lot of electrical damage also from the water.

SUMMIT RESORT
Post from Bruce from the Summit-- It is with great sadness that we announce that the Summit suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Irma in the early hours of September 6th, 2017. As you can see from the pictures in our Facebook post (since I do not know how to post them here), Irma’s effect on us was catastrophic. Most of the roofs have been blown off of the buildings. In some cases, entire buildings have disappeared, in others the second floors of the two-story units were blown away. The pool deck is gone and the restaurant suffered severe damage as well.

Most importantly, we have just heard this morning that all of our employees have been accounted for and are safe. This has been our top priority since the storm first hit and we are thankful to be able to relay this news.

When we have more information available, we will post it. In the meantime, please pray for Evans, her son Honore and her mother Mena, all of whom have lost their homes in this terrible tragedy.

SIMPSON BAY RESORT
It appears from video that the roof of the C building is gone, as well as the north end of the roof of the lower B building.

AIRLINE CANCELLATIONS
One member reported they had airline reservations with AA for a week in October. They called and were able to cancel and get their money back with no problems. Another member reported that Delta claimed that they were still flying to the island on Friday this week.

Can,t believe what I am reading......So sad!!!!

I had booked tickets to SXM from Sarasota leaving Saturday on Delta. When I called them they canceled my flight and waived fees. When I asked about a refund since it was obvious that commercial flights would not be able to use PJIA for a while I was told that they are on a day by day basis however if any of my flights were canceled by Delta then they would authorize a refund, which I would have to call them to initiate, otherwise it is a credit valid for 1 year from date of booking (Feb 23), not dates of travel (Sep 9-16). Seems ridiculous but I guess that's Delta's way to hold on to money as long as possible.

Thank you so much for all this information!!

Carol thank you for your comprehensive report on St Maarten/ St Martin. I met you several years ago on Orient Beach and appreciate what you've done for this community. It is a tragedy what has happened, but I know these people are strong and will rebuild. From the pictures that I have seen, I think it could've been a lot worse. Thank God the storm moved quickly. You take care as I am sure you are making preparations there in Florida.

Carol,
I saw video on TWC taken from Pelican Hill. Saw Atrium, Kim Sha, the market at Billy Folly Rd and SBYC.
Has anyone else seen it? It was very shaky. Only saw it once.

Thank you.

There is an amazing video from a helicopter posted by dailymail.co.uk/news/. article-4861192. I found it on Google by searching
Saint Martin in general. There are many sources of current info including photos and videos. So heartbreaking.
In Florida we are hoping for the best as I post this from Boynton Beach.

Thanks so much for all the info Carol. Such a tragedy. Still hoping to hear from my friend Moti who we rent a car from every year. He used to run the beach bar at SBR before they took it over. He is an awesome fellow. Heard from him on Monday, but not since. Hoping and praying for the safety of him and his family.

Yes Carol. My bad, thanks so much.
Stay safe! Publix still had water this afternoon.
irina

Thank you Carol and JD for putting this together.

Has anyone had information about Lees Skipjack Rancho and others that backed on the Lagoon? Saw Yacht Club and Pineapple Petes. Figure the others must have damages too. What about Karacter, El Zafiro?

Thank you Carol. It's still difficult to find information so it's appreciated for sure. Anyone have any info on the status of Yellow beach family from Ilet Pinel including Stephen and Oliver? I hope all in a SXM are ok and can start to rebuild their lives. It looks like Irma has made long lasting impacts on this beautiful island and it's wonderful people that truly make SXM what it is to so many of us. Any info on legitimate sites set up for donations to help would also be appreciated from anyone. Thanks all

Thank you Carol, greatly appreciated.

Carol, i assume that as Ir!!ma passes over Florida you'll be impacted. Please Stay Safe!!! Hopefully this site will not be down for long.

Carol, thank you for this information. Great coverage. Breaks our hearts to see all this devastation on our favorite island.

Off the Diamond Facebook page.
"Hurricane Irma: Royal Palm Beach and Flamingo Beach resorts sustained damage that is to be expected of a CAT5 hurricane. The safety of our guests and team members remains our top priority as we work to make guests as comfortable as possible. Reservations at Royal Palm & Flamingo Beach are canceled through November, 20 2017. As of now we are not accepting new reservations through April 30, 2018. Existing reservations will be contacted."

Picture of Lee's
https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v...amp;oe=5A147DFE

Good job, Carol, Eric and J.D. Putting this all together had to be a major undertaking and I can only offer my most sincere thanks for compiling it all in one place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Skipjacks appeared to have some damage to the front from the one picture I saw. Beyond that, no idea. Probably similar damage as Lee's.

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2017/09/photos-from-saint-martin-after-hurricane-irma/539103/
I believe Photo 11 in this slide shows Karacters. It doesn't look good...

While I hope they fared well, considering there is little or no " building structure" at Karakter, it probably would not look good for them.

How has Philipsburg been affected by Hurricane Irma?

Lots of damage.

Any information about Rainbow beach club? How much damage?

I'm wondering how the people that work the Marigot Market fared? Does anyone know?

Orient Beach has returned to her Pre-18th Century condition.

Adding that some or all of the villas at Nettle Bay Beach Club are a total loss. I don't have pictures of all but I don't think any fared better than the ones that I have seen. Hotel Mercure is damaged but looks salvageable.

Just posted some updates, most of which are already here in various threads. However, those with loved ones on the island please note the notice to US citizens in this thread. Thanks to Raspy for that original post.

Carol,

Has anyone heard from Pieter and Mirian on The Passat.

Peter and Miriam both survived the storm, but unfortunately the Paasat did not. Such a great loss. Many vessels sunk during this storm.

Thank you Islandgem,

By any chance have you heard from Carter Glass? Is he on the island or in Florida?

Oh my! I'm so saddened to see all this damage! My wife and I had planned to plan a week on the island soon. Guess we will have to postpone our trip. thoughts and prayers go out to all on that lovely lil island!!!

PS Let's start a TTOL Recovery fund drive!!??

Elizabeth--what's your source with regard to the Passaat? There have been several false reports here regarding things, so don't want to put her as a loss unless we're really sure..

Thank you! Any word on Esmeralda Resort?

True Carol. I told you I heard Mary's Boon was gone and saw a pic supposedly of the location but haven't been able to confirm. Horrible situation.

Thank you Carol for the keeping all updated. To the poster asking about Moti...he and his family are okay. Understand from reliable source that they are taking assessment of damage to car rental service at this time. We're sure that as soon as possible service will be back. Praying for all of our SXM Family & Friends. Stay Strong!

Irina--Mary's Boon is NOT gone, that's the point....

Found this on Mary's Boon.....

Reply to question on Trip Advisor about Mary's Boon damage.....
Thank you for you concern. It still early but we think all of the staff is ok however we have no heard from many of them since we have no power phone water etc. The main building is ok with little damage a few buildings had roof damage and the lower rooms had some water. A few windows blew out but nothing to major. Room 9 and 10 which are the only wooden building is collapsed so we get a new better building there now. Dogs ok and with think all cats ok. Looking at the rest of the island we feel very lucky and very blessed. We built back very strong after Hurricane Lenny in 1999 and it paid off. Thanks again and please come back ASAP. Its how we feed or families!

Scroll down to the bottom of this thread....
Source:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1...St_Maarten.html

Photo of Mary's Boon....https://twitter.com/MancowMuller

For some reason the link doesn't work, but when I type it into my browser it opens to the photos.

So glad they weren't hit hard, but sounds like they built strong after previous hurricane damage.

Hope this helps answer some questions MB, we love this place.

Has anyone heard from Lesley Bruce?

Somewhere I have read that he is ok. I have not heard a thing about the business.

Anyone know how Alain Arnell or Myra are? Also Carol and Eric with Irma on her way be safe!

A friend was in contact with them and posted this earlier today. I believe it is true. Apparently it sunk.

No, I have not heard about Carter.

Lesley reported that he and his family are fine. Some damage to his home and lots of cars damaged.

Does anyone have info or pictures of the OBBR or the Lighthouse tower? All I have seen is the official statement from the management.

Carol - Thank you so much for taking the time to put this report together. I'm heartbroken about our friends who own Karakter and owners of Passat. Such a horrible loss of their properties.
Again thank you so very much.

Noooo!!!! Were Mirian & Pieter onboard, or did they go to the apartment in Simpson Bay? Dog?

Oh my goodness.... this just gets worse and worse.

Lesley and hs family are OK but much of where they live is flooded. Some of their cars were destroyed but their house is OK. This comes from their daughter in Toronto.

They both ended up in a hotel , but I don't know about the dog.

Carol, that's what I said. I heard it was gone but it wasn't. Crazy stories. Some not true. I was agreeing with you.
Spoke on phone to B today. Obviously there is nothing to add. Totally horrible.

Just heard from a friend in contact with Donna and Pascal, Piazza Pascal. They are safe in France with no news yet about their house or restaurant.

In my search for aerial photos of Orient Beach, I've seen only one good aerial photo, but it is of orient village only. It has been posted on several sites. Does anyone know if there are more aerial orient bay pix anywhere? I'd like to see if the roofs are intact on a few villas including mine. Also, is the power back on the French side yet? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Any news on Esmeralda in Orient Beach area? The merchants on Front Street, Philipsburg, especially Little Europe, owners Hiro & Naenna Alwani? The board walk?

Any pics of Royal Palm Beach Club damage? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, much thanks for posting all of this info. Any reports/links available about damage to Orient Village and the surrounding area? There was a mention in a TripAdvisor forum that there were images from Getty that included the Village and at least part of the Alamanda resort. They didn't post a link and I've been unable to find them. Perhaps some you more experienced web researchers can find them.

Thanx!

Here is a link to photos of SXM and neighboring islands.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/weather/85...ods-photographs

about el Zafiro..
Friend and family our beautiful island has been devastated by Hurricane Irma. And if there's one thing I know about us humans we fight, we fight until the end. We will be back stronger and wiser. This is NOT how this ends for us!

Sorry Carol. I thought I was writing to Rick and Grace.

I have a friend who lives in Pointe Blanche. If anyone has info on this area I would appreciate it.

Thanks for that. I was wondering about them. I am worried the restaurant news will not be good, not sure about their home. Any news on Le String?

For you on Facebook here are some pictures of Flamingo villa 3 (our building) and others of the surrounding area. Red Piano, Bon Appetite, Le Sola, La Vista etc.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...e=3&theater

See if photo 17 helps. Looks to be Orient Village in the upper left corner. If it is, looks like the Yellow Submarine, across from the Village entry, is gone completely.

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2017/09/photos-from-saint-martin-after-hurricane-irma/539103/

Does anyone know the location the pic in #8 is?

rpotter...i have no news on Le String itself...but do know that Severine, Lionel and the kids got back from vacation the day before the storm hit. Heard from Donna on facebook, that they are all safe...but their home is damaged badly.

Thank you Ed. They have had the WORST luck at Le String, my heart goes out to them. I have not seen any photos or heard any news on that stretch of beach, but I suspect it's not good...

Hi - We have heard from Jacob, the owner of Byblos, that Carter ok.

Thanks,

Cathy

yes...terrible luck the last few years. They are such fine hard working people. Irony was that they were off island for an extended vacation to Florida....went back just in time to be home with Irma visiting. Hoping that they can rebuild their lives.

Thank you, Carol. It is really just so shocking! I have seen lots of pictures and video of the Dutch military on the island helping. Are the French military also assisting?

I don't know. A woman yesterday on Laser 101 said she had seen NO gendarmes, except some barbequing in their front yard.

This is what the gendarms have been dealing with:
http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/sa...017-7245753.php

As far as the grilling? I would think they needed to cook food before it spoiled from lack of refrigeration.

Outrageous.

I am not referring to the local gendarmerie. The Dutch Marines came to assist. I was wondering if France sent their military.

Aren't they allowed to eat too. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Porkchop. The gendarms ARE military. And up to 400 more are on their way (numbers vary on outlet reporting).

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-updates...-htmlstory.html

To St Barts and St Martin:
More than 1,100 French emergency services — gendarmes, police, civil security, soldiers and health personnel — have been dispatched to the two islands, where an emergency electricity network has been set up to keep hospitals working.

Police forces have been kept busy trying to prevent the pillaging of shops and private properties. An overnight curfew was imposed between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in anticipation of José, which is expected to pass north of the islands Saturday.

Great. That answers my question. They are on the way....

By 1300 today USAF Special Forces MC-130s had already evacuated over 170 US citizens out of PJIA to Puerto Rico... after sending in a Special Forces Air Traffic Control team and their equipment.

Go Air Force...!

I heard some of the homes in Pointe Blanche were destroyed. I can't provide any more detail. I had a phone conversation with someone on the island and her phone battery went dead during the conversation (no electricity to charge a phone). I'll try to post more info as it becomes available.

Picture 8 shows the Pelican Cove townhouse condo complex in Pelican Key. It is located at the far end of Billy Folly Road on the point of land separating Lay Bay and Cole Bay. We stayed there for 3 weeks in February 2015.

It is a fantastic place to stay. I was relieved to see that the buildings and roofs appear to have survived relatively intact. But I suspect there has been significant water damage from the storm surge and winds.

I wish all of those on St. Maarten/St Martin our prayers for a safe and speedy return to normality, but I suspect it will be many months or even years before that truly happens. We will miss being able to visit our favourite island for the next while.

Heard from Dany of Cupecoy Beach...he and his family are fine. He's been staying close to home, protecting his property. Apparently the reports we've been hearing about the lawlessness on the French side are unfortunately true.

Curious about a villa in Terres Basses but seeing as how the damage was heavy in Nettle Bay I'm guessing Dreams, Le Sand, Cigale etc are all gone. The villa is Maison De Reve. Gus's beach bar surely is gone from Baie Rouge I would think.
Also is Anse Marcel catamarans gone also?

Hi Carol,
VillaBelleMer, Orient Bay.
I'd like to add that Randy and Dany Acree report that Louvie, their housekeeper is safe and at least she (possibly others) are living at their VillaBelleMer as her home was destroyed.
No real news as to the Villa's condition, but apparently it's livable at least!
That's saying a lot considering it's right next to Esmeralda which was badly affected.
Will let you know more when I know more.

Hello everyone,

New here, but have been traveling to Sea Palace for several years now. Thank you to everyone for all of the information.

Not sure if anyone has posted this yet (I've been at work and offline the last few days) but here is the damage from Calmos Cafe

https://www.facebook.com/calmos.desaintmartin/

Also, this was the message from Defender Resorts, the owner of Sea Palace (as of less than a half hour ago)on FB:

We have heard from the Sea Palace staff and all staff members and any guests that were onsite during the hurricane are ok! Many are staying at the resort as it is one of the few structures still standing in the area.
While Sea Palace has undergone extensive damages, it appears the resort faired better than many other buildings in Sint Maarten. Doors, windows and water intrusion are the main damages that we are initially aware of at the resort.
Sint Maarten and Sea Palace are not in the clear though. The island is experiencing power outages, limited communications abilities and shortages of water and food. We will continue to post any updates and information as we receive them.
Initial reportings are estimating that it will be approximately 6-7 months before Sea Palace will be able to accommodate guests again.

Also, for anyone who knows them, Bruce Chilson (owner of Bluebeard charters), and Patrick Cuicci (owner of Pat's Roadhouse) are both safe.

Any info on Towers condition? Luis was a baby compared to this one.

OB,

The following is what I've read or been told and hopefully, my post here is factual.

By the standards of too many island commercial properties, the Towers is in decent condition. The building structure itself and the vast majority of staff are okay although some staff members did lose their homes. During the actual storm, I was told by a staff member that many of the staff sheltered on site but at last count, there were a few who had not been able to check in.

The roof did sustain some major damage, moreso this time than in Luis, therefore, there has been water damage to some of the upper floor units. All communication options are down and electric and water as well. Not sure of the status if the generator but fuel is probably an issue there if it is otherwise operational.

There is a Towers at Mullet Bay website and the're posting there as they are able.

Any word from Cheri from Cheri's café. Worried about her and my friend Ramon. Also Does Jacqueline still run the animal shelter over there? wondering how they fared

Here is a post from LaVista that was on Facebook which is public.
From Andrea @ La Vista Resort
My owners..this is Andrea from #SXMSTRONG and #LAVISTASTRONG . I have some internet so I am taking this time to say thank you for all the emails and messages I have not been able to read..LOL..we are ok but living as cavemen. No running water..no elektra and help is slow in coming. Janella and I survived in room 5's bathroom by the grace of God. The roof from room 19 fell onto our porch and protected us from more winds when our doors blew open. We sat in the bathroom with our backs against the door to hold it shut. But there are 100 worse stories. La vista is severely damaged..the island is catastrophically damaged. I am awaiting the insurance adjuster but it is impossible because sxm is shut down and the military has taken over. I have not heard from all my staff as communication is impossible and driving around is not allowed. Debbie is fine. Yeimy lost everything. Marleni is reasonable and most gardeners and security lost everything. I only heard from Alexia the housekeeper..she lost part of her roof. I know everyone is thinking of us and everyone is anxious to return. In all honesty I don't see that happening right now not in the near future. Materials will be hard to come by especially since Houston and Florida have also been hit with disasters recently. 90% of St. Maarten lost their roof so skilled labour will be hard to come by. I have absolutely no idea how long this will take. I doubt I will be able to reopen La vista anytime soon. Right now we are all in survival mode. Glad for a shower by bottle and a glass of water and so grateful for a roof over our heads. I will only be able to assess any timeline through a professional which is not available right now. At this point I do not have an answer for you. I am afraid we will miss this season completely. La Vista Beach is less damaged than La Vista but also has a LOT of work that needs to be done. I know all of you have a million questions. Please bear with me..it will be weeks or even months before we have a functioning infrastructure although everyone is working around the clock to try and restore everything. They will have to go house by house to rebuild water pipes and electric lines and it will take time. IT WILL happen! Hopefully sooner than expected. I am so grateful for everyone's support and I hope for better communication soon. I can't answer anyone right now and Facebook updates are done via via from Holland and Canada. Sorry for the long post. I don't know how long this generator will run as diesel is only for emergency. The situation is dire but some good must come out of it. We did it 22 years ago and will do it again. Oh...also...all the cats are still with us..lovey..oreo and shadow...don't know how they managed but they did..thank you all and I hope for more news soon..

This was my concern!

http://www.looptt.com/content/st-martinst-maarten-reportedly-verge-civil-war-after-irma

Hi, if you can, would you please post the link to The Towers website you were referring to?

I did find them on facebook, and I found these other sites, but only update info I found was on facebook and I don't know if that was what you meant. (links below)

Thanks

https://www.facebook.com/towersatmulletbay/
http://www.thetowersatmulletbay.com/home.html
http://www.towerstimeshare.com/

Does anyone think that the governments will issue a statement that will bar vacationers from the island ? While we would like to go and help most of us would just be in the way , if so how long do you think that would be for . With Louis they did that and this is much worst .
We have been visiting SXM since 1985 most times for two weeks , the island was really looking fantastic , I'm sure it will get rebuilt much stronger and more beautiful

Dick,

That has been my thought since the begining. I think we need to give them a few days to get their 'stuff' together. We all have to remember they too may have lost homes and they don't have the resources we have here.

Right now we all need to give them some time and exercise some patience. We have two trips all bought and paid for but doubt we'll end up doing either one. May end of sending my airfare, once refunded, to Samaritans Purse and hope it helps SXM relief down the road. Won't donate to just anyone at this time. Just a thought.......

Thank you Pat.

Maybe it is here and I haven't seen it but is there any word on the condition of Spiga and Lara and her family?

I have been careful to highlight that Samaritans Purse' DC-8 aircraft is humping it in and out of SXM without outright doing so.

Quite frankly, anything we'll donate will just replenish clearly what 4 planeloads already have been delivered. Plus Haiti.

As ive slightly mentioned in posts, i never heard of them til last week, but i can also say ive not heard of anyone else touching down at PJIA.....and i watch flightaware every day.

they are delivering. Anyone else, i have no idea.

I wish all the people well and wish i could help makemthe m happy and healthy

Have not seen any pictures or read any reports about Oyster Pond - both French and Dutch sides. Captains Olivers Hotel? Dinghy Dock bar? Mamas Pizza?

Samaritan's Purse is a quality organization that is very efficient with donated funds. They are likely to be the best way for those who want to help SXM right now. I have personally experienced them in several instances and will continue to give to the people of SXM through them.

Yes, Samaritan's Purse is a very trustworthy organization. I am very familiar with them and have supported them in many ways throughout the years. They take care of people around the world and making donations through them is a great idea.

PelicanPirate (and all those that have given positive feedback) a shout out from the Prime Minister for Samaritans Purse

Statement on rebuilding

[color:"blue"]WE ALSO HAVE A DISASTER ASSISTANCE RESPONSE TEAM FROM SAMARITAN’S PURSE ON THE GROUND WORKING TIRELESSLY. THIS LEADING DISASTER RELIEF ORGANIZATION IS DELIVERING FOOD, WATER AND SUPPLIES TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST, AND THIS EFFORT IS CONTINUOUS. OUR NEIGHBORS ARE SHOWING THEIR HUMANITY TOO. AFTER ALL, WE ARE ALL THE CARIBBEAN. WE ARE ONE.[/color]

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> One of the best organizations by far. A great organization for island donations!

I chose to give to club orient employees...its where i stay...

but i certainly think we should all give what we can to help our SXM friends.

In-sticking this thread now, and will work in a few days about an updated status on things.

Any word on the condition of the Esmeralda?

No specific word that I know of, but it's somewhat harder to get info re French side properties.

Chloe, of Club Fantastico, reports that she and Thierry (and pets) are fine. The resort suffered moderate damage - the bar is gone, one unit (#2) plus the lounge area received extensive damage. Still no electric. The military is using Parc as a home base, and arrive daily with water and meals. They even had duck (French, you know).

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2...s/#669eaf2419e4

Found this article that seems to be kept updated.

If not appropriate to post this link, then please feel free to delete this post, and accept my apologies.

The link is fine, not really any new info about SXM properties, but info there regarding other islands.

Had not seen the info previously that Esmeralda was 70% destroyed