The Salvation Army in The Bahamas Gears Up for Response Efforts as Hurricane Dorian Batters Islands
Captain Mike Michels | mike_michels@car.salvationarmy.org
Nassau, The Bahamas - Majors Clarence and Karen Ingram, The Salvation Army officers in charge of operations in the Bahamas, are on duty in their Nassau offices firming up supplies and logistics for The Salvation Army’s response efforts. They braved flood waters and electrical outages this morning coming to the office even though most businesses and government offices are closed due to the effects of the hurricane.
Major Clarence Ingram was on Bahamas National television last evening outlining The Salvation Army’s willingness to assist with the needs that have and will continue to arise as soon as it is possible to get into the areas affected. He reported that in the wake of Dorian’s incredibly destructive impact on Abaco and its environs, that there are already an estimated 13,000 homes severely damaged and that he is concerned that damage toll will be even higher on Grand Bahama because Freeport is a major population center. As of this writing Nassau has the only functioning major airport close to the affected islands but is accepting only limited flights because of the storms coming off of Dorian. The airports on Abaco and Grand Bahama islands are all closed.
The current forecasts are that it may take most of this week for the waters to recede enough that cleanup efforts can begin and as much as another week before the airports on Grand Bahama and Abaco will be able to accept traffic.
The last report from The Salvation Army Freeport Corps (church) came by text message this morning and stated that “Freeport is taking a pounding” but the building and the thrift store are holding up for the time being. They are expecting another 12 hours of high winds and heavy rain.
Commissioner Devon Haughton, Territorial Commander, met with key personnel to look at The Salvation Army’s long-term strategic response to this disaster as well as activating departments to start working out the logistics for getting aid to those affected.
To support The Salvation Army's relief efforts in the Caribbean, please donate online at helpsalvationarmy.org or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.