The images of the hurricane damage in The Bahamas are heartbreaking. Many residents - and people around the world - are shocked at the sheer magnitude of the disaster.
Realizing the destructive potential Dorian was packing, relief experts at faith-based Convoy of Hope - a K-LOVE Ministry Partner - began formulating a strategy to aid The Bahamas even as the powerful storm was bearing down on the ocean nation of 390,000 residents.
And as Dorian slowly made its way up the East Coast of the U.S., Convoy was assessing needs in the states. For the latest on relief efforts, K-LOVE's Marya Morgan connects with Convoy of Hope’s Jeff Nene:
Relief help from Convoy has already started arriving in The Bahamas.
https://www.convoyofhope.org/blog/features/disaster-response/convoy-responds-hurricane-dorian/
The Bahamas consists of about 700 islands, of which roughly 30 are inhabited. Grand Bahama is home to 50,000 people and Abaco has 17,000 residents. Those two islands were blasted the hardest by Hurricane Dorian.
International Response – Bahamas
- Convoy’s International Disaster Services teams are in the Bahamas distributing relief supplies, including solar lanterns, food and water filters.
- We have secured marine and air transport to move personnel and cargo to the affected area. Daily flights are bringing supplies directly into Freeport.
- Convoy of Hope is working with a network of churches to establish multiple distribution points.
Multiple containers are en route to the islands with water, food, tarps and tents, water filters, and solar lights.
U.S. Response
- Several members of Convoy of Hope’s U.S. Disaster Services team are supporting IDS operations in both Florida and on the Bahama islands.
- Convoy of Hope is working with a network of churches to establish multiple distribution points. The team that was pre-positioned ahead of the storm is traveling to New Bern, North Carolina. Once there, they will connect with a church partner and begin ferrying to affected areas in the Bahamas. Distribution will follow in the days ahead.
- Working with local church volunteers, the team pre-packaged thousands of bags of food for immediate distribution.
- We had more than 25 trained disaster services volunteers positioned in Florida who were ready to respond as quickly as possible.
- A truckload of disaster relief supplies — including food, water, and hygiene kits — is in Florida. Additional loads will be sent as we determine the need.