Hurricane Irma has hit the United States hard leaving as many as 12 people dead in Florida, leading to massive destruction through the idyllic islands and deep inland in the southeastern US state, AFP reported while citing officials. “Currently, the number of confirmed deaths attributable to Hurricane Irma stands at 12,” Florida Division of Emergency Management spokesman Alberto Moscoso told AFP, as workers picked through the rubble left by the storm. Amid this chaos and destruction, the founder of Virgin Airlines, Richard Branson shared images of his Necker Island and other surrounding British Virgin Islands that were hit by Irma.

Branson revealed how hard his island was hit by the hurricane leaving everything shattered. “The boats are piled up like matchsticks in the harbour. Huge cargo ships were thrown out of the water and into rocks. Resorts have been decimated. The houses have their roofs blown off; even some churches where people sheltered have lost roofs,” Branson wrote in his post.

He also shared a video of the Necker island and said that his foundation is working to raise funds for longer-term reconstruction projects. “We are using our foundation @virginunite to coordinate raising money for longer-term reconstruction projects. Virgin Unite is also working with @unitebvi and @virginlimitededition to support the local BVI communities. They will be working with local organisations to identify the ongoing needs of affected individuals, families and communities affected by this disaster. We will support the mid to long term efforts on the ground and help provide support as those affected recover from the disaster. Please donate what you can http://virg.in/oxN,” Branson posted on Instagram.

Here are his posts:

Much of the buildings and vegetation on Necker has been destroyed or badly damaged. But British Virgin Islands Hurricane #Irma story is not about Necker – it is about the tens of thousands of people who have lost their homes and their livelihoods. @virginunite is coordinating aid to local BVI families & communities affected – please donate to help http://www.virgin.com/unite/bvi-community-support-appeal

A post shared by Richard Branson (@richardbranson) on

Heading back to #BVI to assess situation on the ground, help mobilise support for BVI, meet with officials & distribute aid https://virg.in/ofu #hurricaneirma

A post shared by Richard Branson (@richardbranson) on

Meanwhile, many other celebrities and the biggest names from movies, TV, sports, music- like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey- gathered on Tuesday for ‘Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief.’ Many of these stars posted video messages of love and support for the victims of both storms: Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Read Next
‘Operation Sindoor could’ve been catastrophic for Pakistan’: Indian officer says they lost over 100 soldiers
Dramatic video of helicopter crash near California’s Huntington beach surfaces; five injured
Fifth column by Tavleen Singh: Who is to blame for the horror of Gaza?