ISSUED BY: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency DATE: September
3, 2004 TIME: 6;00 pm
The Event: At 5:00pm Eastern Caribbean Time
Hurricane Frances was approximately 90 miles East southeast of Freeport,
Grand Bahama. . The north western Bahamas continues to be under a Hurricane
Warning as Frances slowly travels west northwestward.
The Prognosis:
Frances has been affecting the central and north western Bahamas for the
past 24 hours and is not expected to clear the area for another 24 hours.
The Central Bahamas will gradually clear this evening into tonight as the
hurricane warning for that area has been discontinued by the National
Hurricane Centre.
Status of RRM: The Regional Response Mechanism is
activated. Caribbean Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) on Standby
The
Situation - BAHAMAS ***********************
Several islands of The
Bahamas are still experiencing hurricane force and tropical storm force
winds at 5:00 pm.
Nassau one person is confirmed dead. An 18-year old
was outside in the height of the hurricane attempting to service a standby
generator and was electrocuted. Roof of shelter at Bethsheda United
Missionary Baptist Church caved in. People safely moved to
neighbours.
San Salvador Hurricane Frances battered this island with
140 mph winds for 30 hours. 15 to 20 per cent of the housing stock has been
damaged. Population is 1,000 people. Widespread environmental damage with
fallen trees, power lines and utility poles much of which was cleared for
initial damage assessment. Health care facility is in good condition. A
doctor, nurse, and official of the Bahamian Defence Force were
pre-positioned and are assisting residents. All tourists at Club Med were
evacuated and the hotel, which is empty, sustained roofing
damage.
New Providence is the headquarters of the Emergency Operations
Centre of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) - At 5 pm tropical
storm force conditions were still affecting the island and expect to subside
tomorrow. Initial reports of environmental damage and storm surge affecting
coastal areas and cutting off coastal roads. Some homes have been flooded
but assessment is difficult this evening.
Acklins Island Sustained
damage to a marine docking facility and other coastal damage from battering
waves.
Acklins/Crooked Island/Long Cay - No major damage. Two Haitian
boat people detained.
Eleuthera Winds in excess of 100 mph affected
the island. Storm force conditions still affecting the island. Power is
out.
Harbour Power out after island affected with winds in excess of
100 mph. Storm surge and inland flooding reported. All evacuation shelters
are occupied. No reports of injury or death. Roads are impassable. Minor
damage to health clinic roof.
Inagua - Two vessels damaged.
Mayaguana Road infrastructure damage. No loss of life. Power should be
restored by tonight or tomorrow morning.
Long Island No
damage
Exuma - Weather conditions improving. Water supplies
restored.
Black Point Telecommunications down.
Farmers Cay
Telecommunications down.
North Eleuthera - Winds reported in excess of
100 mph. Power out. Fibre optic cable from North and South Eleuthera broken
no land-based contact with Spanish Wells.
Central Eleuthera No
electricity and telecommunications down. No contact with the
island.
South Eleuthera Tropical storm force conditions still exist.
Damage assessment not possible at this time.
North Andros Tropical
storm force conditions still exist. One property reported damaged. Full
assessment not possible at this time.
Central Andros No known damage.
Weather conditions mild.
South Andros / Mangrove Cay No reported
problems
Nassau International Airport - Heavy winds. Bahamasair Holdings
Office roof and front portion was torn off making it accessible to the
public. Airport Security is stationed at the site.
Berry Islands
Heavy rains continuing. Assessment not possible at this time.
Abaco
Winds becoming strong. 250 persons in public shelters.
East Grand Bahama
Winds becoming stronger. About 130 persons in public shelters.
West
Grand Bahama Weather is good. 240 persons in public shelters.
Freeport
Grand Bahama - Winds are picking up, continues to rain. 700 persons in
public shelters.
Ragged Island No reported damage to any critical
infrastructure.
Bimini / Cat Cay - Winds 35-40 mph. Four shelters are
operational. No significant damage, some fallen tree limbs.
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