As the magnitude of tragedy in the Bahamas due to Hurricane Dorian unfolds, the Somebody Cares network of ministry partners is ramping up relief and recovery efforts. Initial supplies have already reached and been distributed in Green Turtle Cay, one of the barrier islands off mainland Great Abaco The Bahamas.
The Somebody Cares network has staging areas at several locations in Florida for essential supplies; and donations of those supplies are in motion. The biggest hurdle so far is transporting supplies to the Bahamas. Relief agencies are making use of private boats and small planes to get emergency relief to the islands as logistics for larger deliveries are being worked out. Since many harbors, docks and runways were also damaged during the storm additional coordination is needed for off-loading larger quantities.
Our assessment team in Florida has also learned that 7,000 to 10,000 people have been evacuated from Abaco Island to other areas in the Bahamas, with more evacuations on-going. There is a huge need for shelter on the islands, which our team is working on in partnership with some businessmen with the capacity to erect temporary housing on a large scale.
In additional, ministry partner, Iris Relief, is in Nassau and Freeport today making assessments and representing the network at meetings with area pastors to coordinate relief efforts. Other partners are also making assessments throughout the islands today and we hope to have a better assessment of specific needs.
Funds for transporting relief supplies as well as providing shelter and other assistance is desperately needed. Please consider a generous donation to help all those affected by Dorian today! (Select Hurricane Response in the drop-down menu)
Please join us in praying for:
- Final details of staging/warehousing in Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach
- Shipping from each of these locations into the Bahamas and transportation to church/distribution contacts on the islands
- Safety for assessment teams and those transporting goods, as reports are coming in that desperation has led to some instances of crime and unsafe conditions
- Local connections that can aid with distribution logistics
Somebody Cares ministry partners include CRI, Iris Relief, Abaco Relief, Operation Compassion, Mercury One, International Aid, Mid-West Food Bank, Ally Force, Compassion Acts, Somebody Cares Chapters and others.
Thank you for caring!