Before and after photos show Hurricane Irma's devastation in the Caribbean
Hurricane Irma caused billions in damage in Florida, destroying large parts of the Keys and knocking out power to at least 60 percent of the state. The destruction in the U.S., however, pales in comparison to the toll that Irma exacted in the northern Leeward Islands and parts of the Caribbean.
As a Category 5 beast with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, Irma destroyed large parts of St. Martin, an island shared by France and the Netherlands.
The famous airport in St. Maarten, which is known for its picturesque, extremely low landing approaches over Maho Beach, is now closed due to extensive damage. The control tower, with its signature rooftop radar dome, has been reduced to rubble.
The islands that were hardest hit are now appealing for aid as they try to stave off a humanitarian crisis due to lack of shelter, food, water, and medical supplies.
The storm's damage was so extensive that it's viewable from space. These images were taken by DigitalGlobe's WorldView-3, WorldView-2, and GeoEye-1 satellites before and after the storm.
Anse Marcel, St Martin
Codrington Port, Barbuda
Road Town, Tortola
Providenciales, Turks and the Caicos
Richard Branson's Necker Island
