In the midst of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, The Bahamas has received even more resources to assist with flooding and flood-related disasters.

On Tuesday, officials from the US Embassy and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) attended a ceremony at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) Coral Harbour Base where they handed over the floodwater rescue equipment to the government.

The items will be used to increase the capacity to prepare for and respond to flood-related disasters associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.  

“The official presentation was held to commemorate the third and final phase of a $500,000 USNORTHCOM-funded training programme held on New Providence that included first responders representing the Airport Authority, Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) firemen and RBDF sailors, commandos and Air Wing personnel,” US Embassy officials said in a press release.
  
Between March and May 2012, more than 40 first responders from New Providence, Abaco and Grand Bahama representing NEMA, the RBPF, the RBDF and various local fire and rescue agencies, completed USNORTHCOM’s extensive Flood Water/Rope Rescue training.

According to USNORTHCOM, the first responders are now better equipped with life-saving techniques and equipment to provide critical rescue assistance in the event of a natural disaster. 

“Each of the three island rescue teams received USNORTHCOM-donated equipment including life jackets, throw line bags, search lights, megaphones, helmets, personal protective equipment, ropes and rope rescue equipment, as well as a 16-foot War Eagle aluminum boat, 20 horsepower outboard motor, trailer, cover, and related hardware,” the embassy said.

Embassy officials added that Tuesday’s official handover ceremony reaffirmed the strength of the US-Bahamian bilateral partnership and provided a tangible illustration of USNORTHCOM’s ongoing efforts to promote security cooperation throughout the region.