• Captain Mike Michels

The Salvation Army in The Bahamas is Ready to Respond as Hurricane Dorian Makes Landfall

Nassua, The Bahamas (September 1, 2019) - Majors Clarence and Karen Ingram, The Salvation Army officers in charge of operations in the Bahamas, have reported the following information about the current and future impact of Hurricane Dorian.

The major impact for the storm is the northern islands of the Bahamas.  As much as possible, and as much as the residents were willing, the government has evacuated those in low-lying areas prone to flooding and those with less well-built houses.

The Salvation Army Freeport Corps is currently the main base for Salvation Army operations on Grand Bahama.  They are not a shelter, but since they have good kitchen facilities their immediate role is to provide food for those in shelters.  The initial request was for 300 meals a day, but they are prepared for that much and more.  It looks like the hurricane will be over them about 2 days so it may be Tuesday before the all clear is given.

The Salvation Army also has a corps on Eleuthera island and the Corps Sargeant Major there has prepared it for a shelter even though conditions in that area are not forecast to be as severe.  The last word received from there is that they have lost electricity. It is to be expected that it will be difficult to reach the islands affected for several days after the storm so The Salvation Army may be asked to continue to provide meals well beyond the all clear.

The Salvation Army’s main role will be to aid after the storm has passed. Majors Ingram will wait for specific information and requests from NEMA so that they can follow through accordingly.

Based on video footage on the news and social media of the severe flooding that has happened already, The Salvation Army anticipates there will be a need for food, clothing, tarps, cleanup kits, etc.  At this point The Salvation Army is ready to provide assistance as soon as the needs are accessed.

Commissioner Devon Haughton, Territorial Commander is encouraging Salvation Army personnel throughout the Caribbean to give attention to those most vulnerable in their communities, and where possible make Salvation Army facilities available for shelter, support and practical assistance.