In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, an estimated 7,000 homes were destroyed in Grand Bahama, according to Deputy Director of Social Services Lillian Quant-Forbes.
Forbes told Guardian Business that extra staff was sent to Grand Bahama to help assess the damage that was caused by the Category 4 storm.
"We are sending a team of 10 persons to assist our staff in Grand Bahama. Some of them also experienced loss as a result of the hurricane. So, we are sending a team from New Providence, some staff from Abaco and from Bimini to strengthen our team in Grand Bahama," she said.
Forbes added that extra staff was also sent to North Andros last week, and they are still there assisting the team in Andros.
North Andros and Grand Bahama are said to be the islands most affected by the storm.
According to 11th Situation Report from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) - valid up to Thursday at 5 p.m. - two and half day rapid assessments were conducted in West End and the Hawksbill area, which includes Hunter's, Lewis Yard, Mack Town, Beck Town, Pinder's Point.
The report said the immediate needs identified by NEMA's Grand Bahama representative include generators, chain saws, grinding and chipping equipment for fallen trees, water (for the worst hit areas), food, tarps and baby supplies.
In addition the report stated, "Alternative shelter arrangements are required, especially for the residents who have returned to their coastal homes in West End."
Forbes explained that an assessment in New Providence is still being conducted by Social Services, particularly for areas that were hardest hit. She said that she could not comment on how many homes were damaged in New Providence until the assessment was complete.
In New Providence, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) identified the most affected areas being Southern Shores, Bains Town, Yamacraw, Lumumba Lane, Sea Breeze and Misty Gardens, according to CDEMA's report.
"One of the basic needs that we have seen so far is that people need food, water and electricity. Some persons who are vulnerable, they would have Depends and under garments that have gotten waterlogged. So, there are a lot of different issues that individuals are experiencing at this point in time," said Forbes.
She added, "In addition, they are cleaning out their homes and you walk through communities and you see furniture on the outside. We are saying to persons as much as we can to open the windows and doors to get the air through to [eliminate] the mold and mildew growth."
Xian Smith, Guardian Business Reporter
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