When Hurricane Dorian made
landfall on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in the Bahamas it caused major destruction and devastation. But long before the storm even made landfall, the Red Cross was on the ground, with Bahamas Red Cross volunteers helping people prepare. Despite being personally affected by the storm, those volunteers continue to provide assistance to their neighbours most in need.
It’s not without its challenges. Response teams are having trouble reaching affected areas; airports are flooded, roads have become waterways, and critical infrastructure, including bridges, has been damaged. Even communicating is proving difficult as telecommunications systems have been damaged, meaning many people, separated from their families, have not been able to get in touch with their loved ones.
Getting much-needed aid where it is needed is our priority, and working with our global partners, a major Red Cross relief effort is now underway. Approximately 100 tons of emergency supplies have already arrived in the Bahamas. Those shipments include items such as hygiene kits, shelter tool kits, buckets, and water filters; basic household items that will help families begin to recover from this disaster.
Volunteers are also providing comfort to people suffering from emotional distress. They’re helping people make phone calls to reach family members to let them know they are safe. Additionally, Red Cross volunteer nurses have been providing first aid to evacuees and are helping to transport people who need health care to hospitals.
Thanks in part to support from the Government of Canada and the generous support of donors, the Canadian Red Cross has sent four emergency response aid workers as well as urgently needed relief items to the Bahamas. Additional Canadian Red Cross aid workers are ready to go if needed.
Canadians can help support the response through a donation.
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When you can't phone home: what to do when the phones are down
Tech Talk: Empowering people through electronic fund transfers
Donate to the Hurricane Dorian Appeal