There is a dangerous shortage of food and fuel on Andros, particularly in North Andros, as Hurricane Matthew left the island in a calamitous state of disrepair.

Central Andros Administrator Cleola Pinder said supplies were expected to last only up to yesterday.

When asked about the impact of the storm Pinder said, "We weren't surprised because we were prepared for it. But, I guess not as prepared as we needed to be in terms of food items and water."

North Andros and Grand Bahama were said to be the islands most affected by the Category 4 storm.

Pinder said after the hurricane, residents were saying they didn't have water and food.

"The food stores are kind of empty. Some food stores have food supplies but not enough to last. We don't have any fuel on the island," she said.

Pinder added that it has been difficult for the emergency vehicles, police officers, doctors and nurses to maneuver on the island.

Prepared, but unexpected

Mais Johnson - a resident of Stafford Creek and owner of MJ's Grocery Food Cold Drinks and Gas - confirmed the shortage of fuel on the island and explained that he was the only person with fuel left in his area. However, he said the fuel he had left wouldn't last past Monday (yesterday).

Johnson said he visited North Andros and concluded that in comparison to Central Andros, North Andros is devastated.

"If someone told me that the salt water rose that high in North Andros, I would have told them they lied. We were told that it was coming and we knew we were going to get hit pretty good, but we didn't expect it to hit that hard," said Johnson.

Xian Smith, Guardian Business Reporter

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