Website opened for aid/donations to Bahamas hurricane survivors

The British Royal Navy and the US Coast Guard have transported survivors and emergency supplies to the Bahamas where some 70,000 people need “immediate help,” after  Hurricane Dorian say the United Nations and aid agencies. The category five hurricane, left at least 20 dead and a “generational devastation”, says the Bahamian Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis.  Many are still missing as rescue teams with tracker dogs comb the wreckage of Over 15,000 homes completely destroyed.

Meanwhile  a website has been opened and   anyone who wishes  to provide help should visit www.bahamas.com/relief . 

 “There are no words to convey the pain we feel for our fellow Bahamians in Abaco and Grand Bahamas,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism and Aviation of the Bahamas, in a statement.   “Now is the time to unite for our brothers and sisters in need, and help our country recover.”  

Travelers were also asked to continue visiting the islands of the Bahamas that were not affected by the hurricane. The islands that were not affected by Hurricane Dorian remain open and receive visitors. In the northwest of the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital of Bahamas, and neighboring Paradise Island, as well as Eleuthera, Harbor Island and Andros.  

The islands in the southeast and central Bahamas are not affected, including The Exumas, Cat Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins / Crooked Island, Ragged Island, Mayaguana and Inagua.  

An update on the status of airports, hotels, airlines and cruise schedules is provided below.  

AIRPORTS
The Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau remains open. There have been flight cancellations and travelers should contact their airlines directly for any schedule changes. The Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) is closed.

The Leonard Thompson International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbor, Abaco is closed. All other airports in The Bahamas are open and operating.

HOTELS
The hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island remain open. The hotels in Abaco and Grand Bahama Island are closed. Those who have reservations at hotels should contact the properties directly for complete information.

FERRY, CRUISE AND PORTS
The ports of Nassau are open and work during normal hours, although cruise line schedules may be altered. The port of Freeport on the Grand Bahamas Island is closed. Bahamas Ferries has canceled all departures until further notice Grand Celebration of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line remains closed and has canceled departures .