Two helicopters and two planes are taking to the skies this afternoon on a search and rescue mission to the ravaged Family Islands.
The operation, carried out by the Humanitarian Operation Foundation (HOPE) and the Sea Air Land Security (SALS), is leaving plenty of space in their aircrafts today so they have room for stranded people in need.
"There are no supplies on the planes today," said Darren Adler of HOPE, who has invited The Guardian to accompany them on this mission.
"This is a search and rescue mission. There will be a doctor on board and if people are stuck or hurt on the islands we'll get them out. Pregnant women, for example, might need to get to the hospital. We have to make sure we keep it empty so we can fill up with people."
Hurricane Irene passed through the Family Islands yesterday, leaving a trail of devastation in its path.
According to Adler, early indications say there has been a 90 percent loss of property on Acklins Island. Cat Island is still under four feet of water and there is severe damage to communities there as well, he said.
However, the islands they haven't heard from are of the gravest concern, Adler added.
"The ones you don't get any response from are the ones you have to worry about," he said.
"Abaco, North and South Eleuthera and parts of Cat Island we've heard very little from. We expect it to be quite bad today."
Although today's mission is mostly about people, beginning tomorrow, the helicopters and planes will transport food, water and emergency supplies to those on the Family Islands.
HOPE is now searching for partners to help them with this effort, including possible areas for residents to donate and drop off food.
Robin Hood Enterprises, he said, have already stepped up to help.
"We just want to get on with this and we need food to aid people on those islands," he said.
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