The center of the hurricane passed over Barbuda at approximately 430 p.m. on the 4th September 1960. In Antigua there were high winds by 3: 30 p.m and mountainous seas plus rain. Electric power was cut off at 4: 15 pm. There was also torrential rain and high seas. The center of the hurricane did not pass over Antigua. Winds reached 55 knots in low areas and 65 knots in high places by 4:45 p.m. Occupants of houses on sea shores had to be evacuated. Two deaths occurred in Antigua from broken power lines in St.John’s.
In Barbuda the center of the hurricane passed over Codrington Village. By 430p.m, winds from the west were ripping iron sheeting and ten houses were down. There was a lull of 15- 20 minutes and then with more fury the wind came from the South-east and major damage was done. Torrential rain and high seas followed. No human deaths, which was a miracle in the face of the scene of desolation in Codrington Village. One injured. The people stayed as flat as possible on the floor of their houses. Seas threw boats 100 yards or more inland.
Damage to Antigua
Buildings-no houses blown down but numbers throughout more exposed villages and sea coast of St. John’s damaged
Boats- One total loss. Five badly damaged
Cultivation – the estimation of damage to growing canes is that 8000 tons have been ruined. Other crops damaged.
Sea-wall- In St. John’s Broached, sea flooding damaged housing and flooding areas behind.
Communications-those telephones damaged were restored by noon on the 5th,
electric power restored later on the night of the 4th. Minor roads damaged were repaired.
Damage in Barbuda
Buildings- 33 houses completely destroyed, i.e. 30-40%. 53 homes very badly damaged. Warden’s House, government school. Government offices very badly damaged. Pier badly damaged.
Baots- 3 boats completely destroyed, 6 damaged
Livestock- major loss, stock released all over island.
Cultivation-crops- almost 100% lost
Fishpots – all have been destroyed
The total estimated cost of Rehabilitation in Antigua and Barbuda (based on information received up until the 30th September 1960) was $ 305, 876 EC. This includes rehabilitation for property, fisheries, roads and tracks, agriculture and transport and Subsistence.
Documents: AntiguaAdministrator (1960a, 1960b)
Taken from these original sources
AntiguaAdministrator (1960a, 1960b)
“This pamphlet located at The University of the West Indies Science Library is a report on Hurricane
Donna as it affected the territory of Antigua. It gives a report in the situation in Antigua and Barbuda up
until the 10 th September 1960. The document also describes the major problems and actions taken in
both islands at the time.