Ivy Kwok

Staff Writer

   On September 1, Hurricane Dorian struck the northwestern Bahamas, damaging local communities and the homes of people who resided there. In the aftermath of the storm, the Bahamian government initiated recovery efforts to provide disaster relief for victims with the help of countries like the United States. 

   Labeled as a Category 5 cyclone with wind speeds of at least 185 mph, Dorian is t8he strongest hurricane that has hit the islands to date. 

   “Buildings were destroyed, roofs were torn off, trees were felled, streets and homes were flooded, and cars, boats, and debris were strewn everywhere,” stated AIR Worldwide.

   According to Time Magazine, 60% of homes in the Bahamas were affected, leaving 70,000 residents in need of shelter and at least 43 dead. 

   The country’s prime minister, Hubert Minnis, called the disaster a “generational devastation.” 

   Support in the form of financial aid and rescue teams have been sent by the U.S. in an effort to provide assistance for those in need.

  United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that four million dollars will be given to the Bahamas to aid in recovery efforts, which, in addition to what the U.S. has already given, brings the country’s government funding for Hurricane Dorian to more than ten million dollars.

   Along with these funds, military ships and helicopters were sent to transport 120 metric tons of supplies to the affected islands and the Department of Homeland Security says that Coast Guard crews have currently succeeded in rescuing 406 people.    

   “You look at some places and you see things completely wiped out and devastated, and there’s a lot of hard work that lies ahead,” says USAID Administrator Mark Green.

   The U.S. is not the only country to offer its support, however, as the UK Royal Navy plans to send special personnel and supplies to the Bahamas as well. Also, the United Nations’ World Food Programme stated that it would deliver 8,000 kilograms of meals, generators, storage units, and other emergency aid from Panama.   

   Reconstruction is an ongoing process for the Bahamas and it is expected to take years for the islands to fully recover from the damage.

   “Yes, it will take a long time to rebuild, but be assured that we’re a resilient nation, and we will build our country back even stronger,” stated Prime Minister Minnis.