1.2086278-102872446
This image obtained from NASA's GOES Project shows Hurricane Irma on September 4, 2017. Image Credit: AFP

In a twitter message, UAE Consulate in New York alerted Emiratis about hurricane Irma, which has caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean, reducing islands to rubble and leaving at least seven people dead.

Hurricane Irma has blacked out much of Puerto Rico as the dangerous Category 5 storm raked the US territory with heavy wind and rain while staying just out to sea.

"...stay tuned to your local news for updates and adhere to all official advisories by local authorities in your area," the consulate tweeted.

Meanwhile, authorities are struggling to get aid to small Caribbean islands devastated by the storm's record 185 mph (298 kph) winds on Wednesday. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne says nearly every building on Barbuda was damaged when the hurricane's core crossed almost directly over the island early Wednesday and about 60 per cent of the island's roughly 1,400 people are homeless.

The tourist board for the Caribbean island of Anguilla says the major resorts on the island survived a hit from Hurricane Irma but many private homes have been damaged.

It also says that the airport did not sustain any major damage but that it remains closed along with two ports.

'Total devastation' as Hurricane Irma smashes Caribbean

Irma lashed the small British island territory with heavy wind and rain Wednesday. There were no reports of any deaths from the storm.