File:Post Hurricane Maria work starts on BVI MOD 45162988.jpg

English: Picture shows a Royal Marine 40 Commando clearing a fallen tree with a chainsaw on Joes Hill Road, Tortola, BVI.

While the tail end of the Hurricane was 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.

The assault engineers began clearing the roads of the remnants of houses and unblocking drains of earth and branches. Many slopes had suffered landslides overnight and made routes impassable.

The team also handed out 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: BB170057013
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Reconstruction, Humanitarian, Operations, Royal Marines, People, Security
• Keywords: Wet, Rainy, Raining, Rain, Climate, Weather, Eye Protection, Gloves, Protective Equipment, Equipment, Non-Identifiable, Security, Engineering, Repairs, Hurricane IRMA, Caribbean, Operation Ruman, Disaster Relief, Tortola, Road Town, British Vigin Islands, BVI, Humanitarian Aid, Shore Establishment, Royal Marine Unit, Caribbean Sea, 40 Commando, Op RUMAN, Alpha Company, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Unit, 3 Commando Brigade, 3 Cdo Bde RM, 40 Cdo, Personnel, Chainsaw, Headwear, Helmet, VIRTUS Helmet, Body Armour, VIRTUS, Hurricane MARIA
• Country: BVI