04 Sep 2019 | 05:41 AM UTC
Bahamas: Recovery efforts continue following Hurricane Dorian September 3 /update 7
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing on Abaco islands and Grand Bahama as of September 3 after Hurricane Dorian moved out of the region; death toll rises to at least seven
Event
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing on the Abaco islands and Grand Bahama as of the evening (local time) of Tuesday, September 3, following the passage of Hurricane Dorian. Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis confirmed seven deaths from the storm, but warned that the death toll is likely to rise in the coming days. Abaco and Grand Bahama have suffered significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses. An estimated 60 percent of homes in Marsh Harbour were damaged or destroyed, and Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH) and its runway have been flooded. The runway at Treasure Cay International Airport (TCB) reportedly remains functional but the access road is underwater. Rescue efforts in Freeport and other parts of Grand Bahama are being delayed by flooded roads and submerged vehicles. Abaco and Grand Bahama are experiencing widespread flooding and associated disruptions are expected to continue in the coming days and weeks. Thousands of people have been stranded and food and medical supply shortages are possible in the near term.
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). The hurricane remained largely stationary until Tuesday morning when it slowly began moving west towards the US. As of 00:01 on Thursday, September 4, Dorian is located at approximately 28.6°N 79.0°W (map here) and moving north-northwest at 11 kph (7 mph). Dorian has weakened to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 91 km (56 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.
