The British Virgin Islands was one of the worst affected areas, Hurricane Irma destroying homes and throwing yachts around like matchsticks.

Last time we checked in with Dick and the family they were hunkering down in Necker Island’s wine cellar (HERE), with hopes that the famous island would escape the worst of the winds.

The optimism was short-lived, though, because the island has been devastated.

Here’s the video shared by Branson:

And some images via the Telegraph:

Here’s the main TV room with a before:

And an after:

Branson is currently in Puerto Rico, organising relief efforts for the BVI and surrounding areas, and released this statement:

“As you can see from the photos, much of the buildings and vegetation on Necker has been destroyed or badly damaged…

“We felt the full force of the strongest hurricane ever in the Atlantic Ocean. But we are very fortunate to have a strong cellar built into Necker’s Great House and were very lucky all of our teams who stayed on Island during the storm are safe and well.”

.He said others were not so lucky and urgently needed help.

“This story is about the tens of thousands of people who have lost their homes and their livelihoods. We have spent the past two days visiting team members who live on Virgin Gorda and as many people as possible, distributing aid, water and supplies. We have seen first-hand just how ferocious and unforgiving this storm was,” he wrote…

“The BVI needs an enormous amount of help to recover from the widespread devastation,” he added.

He concluded: ‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the messages of support sent to those across the region and to myself. I’ve lived in the BVI for a long time and I know this wonderful part of the world and its amazing people will bounce back stronger than ever. Thank you for your continuing support, it means the world to us.’

Always helps to have someone with the money (and connections) like Branson sympathetic to the cause.

Recovery will take years, so here’s hoping it’s a sustained effort that helps those most affected.

[sources:telegraph&metro]