Hurricane Sandy weaved a destructive path across The Bahamas in late October, ripping off roofs, toppling trees, damaging infrastructure and claiming two lives. When the storm finally made landfall, it had strengthened into a category two hurricane, packing winds exceeding 100 mph. Schools and businesses were shut down for two days and as the storm made its way to New Providence, several Family Islands were already without electricity.

Some islands lost telecommunications service and water supply for several days. Severe flooding and structural damage were reported throughout Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, particularly Queen's Cove. The Nassau Port sustained substantial damage and some private dwellings and businesses across the country were also impacted. The storm damaged 20 to 30 homes in New Plymouth, South Abaco, after the structures were flooded by waters as high as five feet.

Widespread crop damage was reported in Long Island. Speaking to reporters on October 26, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Captain Stephen Russell said a senior citizen of Lyford Cay died after falling from his balcony as he was trying to secure his shutters. That resident was identified as Timothy Fraser-Smith, a 66-year-old British chief executive of Deltec Bank & Trust. The archipelago suffered another casualty the following day on Grand Bahama.

Norbert Yonker, an elderly resident of Queen's Cove, Grand Bahama, was discovered face down in floodwaters in his apartment. Yonker reportedly chose not to leave when advised to by island officials. In the days that followed, Prime Minister Perry Christie and an assessment team visited several Family Islands affected by the storm.

Last month, the prime minister signed exigency orders that allow residents impacted by the hurricane to bring in certain goods duty free. The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) estimated $20 million in losses to the government.

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