What a horrid day in history it must have been for this part of the world. In Guadeloupe, Martinique, the 25th deadliest hurricane (since 1492) occurred on this date in 1666. It is estimated that 2000 were killed. According to the accounts, every boat on the coast was completely destroyed including a 17-ship fleet which carried 2000 troops (there is where the numbers originate). That particular fleet sunk, as a matter of fact. The island's batteries (which were six feet thick) were completely destroyed, and the canons were actually washed away. I think it safe to say that more than 2000 were killed.
I cannot imagine how horrific and terrifying it must have been to deal with massive storms like this before the invention of meteorological equipment. I know these kinds of storms are still frightening, but at least we often have warning and can evacuate the area and take precautions.
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