NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The following is the latest assessment, as of 2:30 p.m. EDT, on October 2, 2105, provided by the National Emergency Management Agency, in co-ordination with local government officials from islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin:
In Rum Cay, it is reported that St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, the island's shelter, experienced structural damages and damages from flooding. However, the persons seeking shelter there relocated to the clinic, and they are anticipating more than the 32 persons already there.
In Acklins, Administrator Mr. Harvey Roberts reported that he encountered flooding in certain, specifically in Snug Corner and Mason’s Bay.
In Harbour Island and North Eleuthera Administrator Mr. Jolton Johnson reported that 21 people were in shelters in Harbour Island and 10 people were in shelters in North Eleuthera. While in Central and South Eleuthera, the shelters there were reporting 71 occupants.
Mayaguana is reporting that the wind has settled, with not much damage to structures other than loss of roof shingles; communications is still available.
In Mangrove Cay, Administrator Mr. Glenn Lightbourne reported that two shelters activated, with one occupant. Winds were normal with overcast skies. Communications and power were still available.
In Exuma, shelters were activated with two occupants. Electricity and communication were still available.
On Cat Island, Sgt. Preston McCoy said that shelters activated, with nine (9) occupants; while on San Salvador, shelters were activated with 48 people. The island was experiencing winds reported at 130-140 mph.
There were attempts to contact Long Island and Crooked Island; but there was no response.
All of the relevant government and non-governmental agencies, including the Bahamas Red Cross and US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), of The Bahamas are standing by to do a rapid assessment as soon as the weather permits and NEMA will be advising the public on an ongoing basis as to all efforts to bring relief to the affected areas.
