Death toll in the Bahamas jumps from 5 to 23; Disaster management efforts continue

By BBN Staff: There have been 18 more confirmed deaths in the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, moving the total number of confirmed deaths from 5 which was reported yesterday, to 23 as of this morning.

As the Bahamas tries to pick itself up after the storm, rescue efforts are underway throughout the island following the deadly Category 5 storm that hit the Bahamas on Saturday bringing sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, and gusts in the range of 220 mph. As more information surfaces about the damage, the Norwegian energy company Equinor, said the hurricane had damaged its oil storage terminal, which was leaking; however the company has not yet assessed how much oil has been spilled.

Survivor stories are being shared via various social media platforms, with persons recounting horrifying tales of buildings collapsing, and home residents being trapped underneath rubble for upwards of 17 hours before eventually being rescued.

Teams from various organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are on the ground conducting damage assessments, to determine the immediate and medium-term needs of those affected. CARICOM said that as soon as those needs assessments are completed, they will be shared
publicly, so organizations coordinating donations and other relief efforts can be informed.

In Belize, the Government of Belize has pledged some $200,000 in relief funding, while Belize Electricity Limited has said that it is ready to deploy linemen to assist with power restoration efforts like it did for the Virgin Islands back in 2017.

Anyone wishing to make a donation of any kind to the people of Bahamas are encouraged to do so through reputable organizations which are carrying out relief efforts, such as the Belize Red Cross. 

Breaking Belize News joins in solidarity with the people of the Bahamas and those working diligently to assist them in this difficult time.  

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