Bahamas: Death toll rises to 45 following Hurricane Dorian devastation September 9 /update 9

Event

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed on Monday, September 9, that at least 45 people have died following Hurricane Dorian, 37 in Abaco Island and eight in Grand Bahama Island. A local newspaper, the Bahamas Press, estimates that the number is far higher, at about 3000. Residents have also indicated that the death toll is significantly higher than that reported by government based on their own observations. The official death toll is therefore likely to rise in the coming days.

Context

Hurricane Dorian hit the region as a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale on Sunday, September 1, with wind gusts up to 354 kph (220 mph) and up to 89 cm (35 in) of rain. The hurricane remained largely stationary until Tuesday morning when it slowly began moving west towards the US. As of 02:00 on Friday, September 6, Dorian is located at approximately 34.2°N 76.8°W (map here) and moving northeast at 24 kph (15 mph). Dorian has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 km (90 mph).

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.