Bahamas worried about outbreak of illnesses

Bahamas Health Minister Duane Sands yesterday reiterated that the death toll following the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian earlier this week will increase “significantly”, acknowledging that there were dead bodies yet to be collected.

Sands warned of the possible outbreak of diseases as a result of the unsanitary conditions in the devastated areas, adding also that the staff at the Princess Margaret Hospital has been stretched in dealing with the situation.

He said that after a hurricane, the initial challenge to public health “is traumatic” and that health officials, since the passage of Hurricane Dorian, have had to deal with fractured bones, lacerations, as well as amputations and head injuries.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas, many groups have been rallying to help in the relief and rebuilding process.

The Diocese of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands has set aside Sunday, September 8, for special prayers. The diocese has 14 Anglican churches in Abaco and Grand Bahama, and effective September 8, special collections will be taken in local churches.

The European Union (EU) is mobilising an initial €500,000 in immediate emergency funding to assist those affected. The funding will address urgent needs such as shelter, water, hygiene, and food. The EU Commission has also deployed a humanitarian expert to conduct a rapid needs assessment, and the EU’s emergency Copernicus satellite service is currently providing maps of the area.

Part reporting from the CMC.

How you can help:

1. Food for the Poor

USD ACCOUNT:

National Commercial Bank Jamaica

Branch: St Jago Shopping Centre

Account Number: 47-4335267

JMD ACCOUNT:

National Commercial Bank Jamaica

Branch: St Jago Shopping Centre

Account Number: 47-1043885

CREDIT CARD AND PAYPAL DONATIONS:

https://foodforthepoorja.org/bahamas/

2. Sandals Foundation

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARD DONATIONS:

https://sandalsfoundation.org/donation

Minimum donation is US$1