UN: Hurricane 'Irma' Will Impact the Lives of 37 Million People

Reports indicate that Hurricane 'Irma', one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in the past century, is moving towards the state of Florida in the USA after devastating several small islands in the Caribbean on Wednesday. According to the Associated Press, the United Nations has also announced that this powerful storm is likely to affect the lives of 37 million people in its path. Reuters reports that at least four people have died in four different islands due to Hurricane Irma on Wednesday. The storm is currently classified as a Category 5, which is considered the strongest classification by US meteorological centers. The report states that Hurricane Irma has battered the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, with the island of Barbuda, which has a population of 1,800, being completely destroyed. A local official told CNN that 95% of Barbuda's infrastructure has been damaged. The report indicates that the wind speeds of Hurricane Irma are currently reaching 300 kilometers per hour and it is expected to arrive in Florida on Saturday or Sunday. This is the second storm to hit parts of the USA in recent weeks, with Hurricane Harvey causing significant damage to parts of Texas and Louisiana last week. Meanwhile, CNN reports that thousands of people are leaving the shores of Florida, and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in some areas. Forecasts suggest that this storm will reach Florida at a Category 4 intensity. Reports indicate that parts of Hurricane Irma swept over northern Puerto Rico on Wednesday evening, but the center and 'eye of the storm' are passing at a distance from Puerto Rico. According to Reuters, half of the homes and commercial areas in Puerto Rico are without electricity.