The Dutch military is helping maintain order and distributing aid to the shattered former colony of St Maarten after clearing the runway at the capital's badly damaged airport and securing berths in the harbour for two navy ships to bring ashore supplies.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters on Friday the first plane had already landed at the airport in the capital, Philipsburg, and navy vessels had unloaded vital supplies in a race against time before the next storm arrives.
Hurricane Jose is forecast to pass through the region on Saturday, but Rutte said it was not expected - at the moment - to directly hit St Maarten as Irma did on Wednesday and winds would likely be significantly weaker.
Rutte and Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk say troops are helping stretched local authorities on the autonomous territory to uphold law and order amid looting of stores.
St Maarten is the Dutch side of St Martin, an island split between Dutch and French control.
