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Bermuda tourism back in business after Gonzalo

Monday, 20 October 20143 min read

Bermudians are clearing up after a direct hit from Hurricane Gonzalo downed power lines and damaged buildings on the tiny Atlantic territory.

The hurricane hit on Friday causing power cuts to 31,200 homes, although two-thirds of people had their electricity restored by Saturday afternoon, according to the Bermuda Electric Company.

No lives were lost although some smaller boats were sunk in the harbor as waters were churned up by winds of 110mph.

The international airport in Bermuda, which is a British overseas territory, closed ahead of the storm but reopened Sunday evening.

Many roads were closed temporarily after being blocked by falling debris.

Extra flights had previously been laid on to evacuate tourists as the hurricane approached and Royal Navy ship HMS Argyll arrived in Bermuda on Saturday with supplies.

Cruise calls will resume on Wednesday when the Celebrity Infinity is scheduled to arrive.

"Once again Bermuda has shown it is built to last in the face of severe weather like Hurricane Gonzalo," said Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Bill Hanbury.

"The cooperation of the public and private sectors along with the tenacity of Bermuda’s people is putting this island paradise back on its feet at incredible speed. All of us are ready to get back to work doing what we do best: welcoming visitors."