Friday, September 10th, 2004 — Hurricane Ivan left Grenada a wasteland of flattened houses, twisted metal and splintered wood as it bore down on Jamaica with deadly winds and monstrous waves, forcing a half million people to flee their homes. The death toll in the Caribbean stood at 23 and was expected to rise. Buildings on the island of Grenada lay in ruins after Hurricane Ivan struck, killing at least 12 people and destroying 90% of the homes. British Royal Navy via AP
Ivan, a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph, was forecast to make a direct hit on Jamaica Friday afternoon. The hurricane devastated Grenada on Tuesday, tossing sailboats against the shore, tearing apart buildings and setting off frenzies of looting. (Related: Track Ivan)
"The destruction is worse than I‘ve ever seen," said Michael Steele, a 34-year-old resident whose home was destroyed. "We‘re left with nothing."