While all the Islands of The Bahamas felt the wrath of Hurricane Matthew, several islands took more damage than others namely Andros, New Providence and Grand Bahama with the latter receiving the most significant damage.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday released the numbers from their preliminary assessments of damages sustained on that island, revealing that some 525 homes have been affected, with 213 of these homes suffering what officials describe as “major” damage.
44 homes were completely destroyed.
235 suffered minor damage.
The areas largely affected were in West End and Jones Town, with 54 homes in West End being majorly impacted and 39 in Jones Town.
NEMA added that they have provided accommodations for 71 displaced residents left in shelters, the majority of which are from the west Grand Bahama including the Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard areas.
Over the weekend, Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin revealed that over 5,000 persons sought refuge in shelters throughout the country.
The government, through NEMA, said it has intensified its relief and recovery phases, in the first instance ensuring that immediate supplies such as water and food reach those in need shipped by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels.
Also in the interim, each constituency is being given two large rolls of tarpaulin to be distributed by designated teams comprising of Social Services, Defence Force and the Housing department to ensure residents whose homes suffered roof damage were protected from further leaking.
Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville last week described the storm’s impact as “devastating”.
Prime Minister Perry Christie last week during his trip to the island said he was overwhelmed by the experience of devastation.
He added the only saving grace was the indomitable spirit of Bahamians.
Mr. Christie said many of them who put their faith in God said, “Thy will be done, but God is good.”
From a utilities standpoint, the Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) has commenced restoring supply to its customers.
Two of the six major well fields have been brought back online and regular potable water supply has been connected to 80 percent of the city of Freeport.
Water supply in east Grand Bahama was uninterrupted throughout the hurricane as the high rock well fields stayed operational. Limited potable water supply is currently being pumped to substations in west Grand Bahama, providing potable water to residents in Eight Mile Rock to West End.
GBUC is currently working on repairing ruptured mains in the western end of the island to quickly restore full supply to the respective communities, and will continue to restore water supply, in a phased manner, over the next few days and weeks.
