Bahamas – 5 Dead as Hurricane Dorian Causes “Unprecedented Devastation”

by in Americas, News

Hurricane Dorian continues to batter the Bahamas with strong winds and massive storm surge after passing over the Abaco Islands on 01 and 02 September, 2019. At least 5 people have died on the Abaco islands, which have seen “unprecedented devastation” according to the Bahamas Prime Minister.

Hurricane Dorian from space. Dorian over the Bahamas, September 2019. Photo: NASA / Christina Koch

In a press briefing of 02 September, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said that 5 people have died in the Abaco Islands as a result of Hurricane Dorian.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed 5 deaths, although further details were not unavailable. Teams will go to Abaco as soon as possible to carry out full assessments.

US Coast Guard team are already on the ground in Abaco and have rescued a number of individuals, and taken 7 critical patients from the Marsh Harbour Clinic in Abaco to Nassau for further medical care.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater forward deployed MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews medevac seven critical patients from the Marsh Harbour Clinic to Nassau, Bahamas for further medical care. As Hurricane Dorian makes it way across the Bahamas, the Coast Guard is ready to assist as needed. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo

Dr. Minnis said that initial reports from Abaco suggest that the devastation is “unprecedented and extensive”, adding, “there has been an extraordinary amount of flooding and damage to infrastructure.” The Prime Minister also reported flooding on other islands of the Bahamas, including Grand Bahama. Videos shared on Social Media showed flood water up to roof height.

Although the slow-moving hurricane had weakened slightly, parts of the Bahamas were still reeling from powerful winds and storm surge as of late 02 September. Winds of 145 mph / 233 kmh were reported on Grand Bahama Island, making Dorian a Category 4 hurricane. Authorities warned residents to remain in indoors until the all clear is given.

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