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Hurricane Frances
 

Hurricane Frances

Situation Report - 3 September, 2004

The following is based on reports from NEMO, the Bahamas National Emergency Management Organization and PAHO/WHO staff in Bahamas:

  • In the Southern Bahamas (Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Acklins) weather conditions are improving, there are no casualties and health facilities are in good condition.
  • In the Central Bahamas, the eye of the hurricane passed over the island of San Salvador at 12.45 a.m. Due to existing bad weather conditions awaiting preliminary damage assessment. Shelters are operating.
  • In the Northern Bahamas, the hurricane is slowing down over Eleuthera. No casualties have been reported so far.
An assessment is expected at 8 pm for Nassau. Several reconnaissance flights are scheduled for tomorrow to survey damage to Cat Island, Eleuthera, Grand Bahamas, Long Island, and San Salvador which are the islands most likely to be seriously affected. A Rapid Needs Assessment health team has been identified and forms have been revised and distributed.

PAHO/WHO has three staff in the Ministry of Health Command Center in Nassau. The building is intact although there is minor leaking from the roof.

The TV station is out of service. Fallen trees are blocking the entrance to the hospital in Nassau. The emergency room is quiet.