Post hurricane Joaquin assessment continues – CDEMA

HIGHLIGHTS:

•  CDEMA finalizes arrangements for three Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment Teams for the Bahamas.
• Relief supplies dispatched to the Southern Bahamas via the RFA Lyme Bay
• 1 person reported missing in Bahamas
• Joaquin claims 1 life in Haiti
• Joaquin predicted to pass to the west of Bermuda
• Joaquin expected to produce additional rainfall over the Bahamas and Bermuda
• Damage assessment process continues for the Turks and Caicos Islands

 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND NEEDS ANALYSIS

Damage assessment and needs analysis (DANA) are ongoing.  Data is currently being collated at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). Aerial reconnaissance will continue today.

• Power and communications: Exist in remaining family islands which have not reported any significant damages or service interruptions.

 The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has provided the following initial report based on the collaborative efforts between the National Disaster Committees (NDC) and Family Islands Disaster Consultative Committees and The Bahamas Information Services.

• Rum Cay: There have been reports of significant structural damage to homes and buildings. The dock is completely destroyed however the airstrip is accessible.
• Acklins Island: The runway at Acklins is now clear of debris; however commercial flights have not received the “All Clear” to land or take off. An estimated 20 homes are totally destroyed and residents have been evacuated. The clinic has sustained severe flood damage. The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) confirmed technicians were attempting to restore the lines in Delectable Bay. Electrical poles were down in Lovely Bay. The main bridge was completely destroyed.
• Crooked Island and Long Cay: Reports reveal that 70% of Crooked Island is flooded with approximately 5ft of water in some areas and there is an island wide power outage. A significant amount of buildings and homes are damaged.
• Long Island: The Clarence town dock is an accessible point of entry as the airport remains closed due to flooding. Attempts are being made to clear roads from Deadman’s Cay to Sella Maris and to provide relief via sea planes to these areas.
• San Salvador: The airport building at San Salvador has been completely destroyed but the runway is now clear and can be accessed. There has been significant damage to homes and San Salvador Royal Bahamas Defense Force reported that there were 84 persons at the Odell Center, Cockburn Town and 104 persons at the Research Center in United Estates.
• Mayaguana: Limited communication link exist. Efforts continue to establish full capability. There has been minor damage to home structures including loss of roofing shingles.
• Exuma: Power lines down and extreme flooding have been reported.
• Harbour Island and North Eleuthera: Docks and airports are accessible. There are power outages in Harbour Island due to fallen power lines.
• Ragged Island: 1 male has been reported missing.