Hurricane Irma destroys World's famous airport (Photos)

 

By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
 
St Maarten's world famous airport where planes fly just above tourists' heads has been devastated by Hurricane Irma.

This is a typical view at Maho Beach in St. Maarten. Because the runway is so close to the shore,

The 185mph storm ripped through the airport as Hurricane Irma slammed into the Caribbean island, leaving a trail of devastation as homes, hotels and government buildings have been reduced to rubble.

Usually offering a paradise getaway for sun-seeking tourists, footage from the island shows flooded roads and broken structures.

Despite being first hit by the 185mph winds and category 5 hurricane, rain and powerful winds continue to batter the already shattered island.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said government buildings, the sturdiest on the island, have also been wrecked by Irma's incredible force.

Video shows pilot's view as plane lands

He said: "We know that the four most solid buildings on the island have been destroyed which means that more rustic structures have probably been completely or partially destroyed."

The island has been without electricity since 6am this morning and police have reported several roofs have been torn off buildings during the storm.