Hurricane Dorian damage: How to help people in the Bahamas – donate and send supplies

Hurricane Dorian ferociously struck the northern Bahamas as a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday where it was stalled for two days. The hurricane-force winds, torrential rainfall and relentless flooding has wrecked around 13,000 homes, wiping out infrastructure and leaving victims stranded – some awaiting rescue from the floodwaters, other without any food or shelter. Authorities have issued urgent appeals for help for the Bahamas after the region was decimated by Dorian. So how can you help people in the Bahamas?

Thousands of residents of the Grand Bahama and Abaco islands have been left without shelter after Hurricane Dorian ravaged the country for two days.

The residents of these countries have been stranded by the flooding and are likely to suffer shortages of food, water and medicine, which could lead to an extensive loss of life if international action is not taken to help.

Speaking at a news conference Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced late on Tuesday the death toll had risen to seven, with more deaths expected in the coming days.

He said: “We are in the midst of a historic tragedy. The devastation is unprecedented and extensive.

“We are in the midst of one of the greatest national crises in our country’s history. No effort or resources will be held back.”

Hurricane Dorian update: Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian update: How can you help the people of the Bahamas recover from the deadly Dorian? (Image: GETTY)

The intense flooding, especially on the island of Abaco, has ransacked the region of clean water by contaminating wells with saltwater – meaning there is an urgent need for clean water.

Sune Bulow, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Emergency Operation Centre in Geneva, said on Monday: “We don’t yet have a complete picture of what has happened.

“But it is clear that Hurricane Dorian has had a catastrophic impact.

“We anticipate extensive shelter needs, alongside the need for short-term economic support, as well as for clean water and health assistance.”

Hurricane Dorian damage: The Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian damage: The damage left after Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas (Image: GETTY)

But how can you help?

There are several organisations are already working in the Bahamas trying to help the residents there.

To offer support to the people in the Bahamas, it is best to have a look at a list of a few of the relief groups working in the area across the Bahamas now.

Red Cross

The Red Cross has about 200 volunteers in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama.

Stephen McAndrew, the deputy director for the Americas of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies told the NY Times: “All shelter materials are going to be highly needed. We know that there will be a need for psychological support. That will continue.”

You can donate money to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with their Hurricane Dorian campaign in the Bahamas here.

Hurricane Dorian damage: Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian damage: Emergency supplies for the Bahamas (Image: GETTY)

Salvation Army

The Prime Minister has urged anyone willing to help to donate to the Salvation Army, which works closely with the government’s National Emergency Management Agency.

The Salvation Army is currently in the Bahamas providing emergency assistance to survivors and first responders.

You can donate to its Hurricane Dorian Bahamas disaster fund here.

Global Giving

Global Giving has established the Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund to provide emergency supplies and long-term assistance to help in rebuilding.

So far, more than £96,000 has been raised with a target of £1,475,777.

Global Giving allows you to make a one-off donation or a monthly donation here.

Hurricane Dorian damage: Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian damage: The aftermath of the destructive Hurricane Dorian (Image: GETTY)

Waterkeeper Alliance

A fast-growing nonprofit focused on clean water which is taking donations on behalf of its affiliate in Grand Bahama, Save the Bays.

You can donate to Bahamas here, simply complete the Water Keeper donation form and on the second page where you designate your gift, select other and type in Bahamas disaster relief.

Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation

Another organisation which is helping in the area is the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation, which was set up by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

This acts as the municipal authority for Freeport, the main city on the island.

The organisation’s website offers suggestions on how to help, including several addresses where donations can be dropped off in the United States.

Find out more here.

Hurricane Dorian damage: Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian damage: Flooding in the Bahamas (Image: GETTY)

Here are a number of other reputable charities which are helping people in the Bahamas:

Community Emergency Operations Center Miami – a group of local community organisers collecting toiletries, nappies, first-aid items, nonperishable foods, water, generators, and various other everyday essentials for people in the Bahamas. Items can be dropped off at the Miami-Dade Community Emergency Operations Center or monetary donations can be made here.

World Central Kitchen – a charitable organisation providing food to people after natural disasters.

HeadKnowles – a Bahamian body which helped organise relief during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Joaquin in 2015.

Yacht Aid Global – a body which has organised “Operation Topaz” which will dispatch emergency supplies like food, tarps, hygiene kits and medicine to the Bahamas.

Hurricane Dorian damage: Helicopter

Hurricane Dorian damage: Emergency relief has been dispatched to Bahamas to help the people there (Image: GETTY)

Team Rubicon – a team of military veterans who provide disaster relief.

Project HOPE – an organisation working to provide lifesaving aid when disasters strike

Children’s Hunger Fund – a charity which accepts emergency relief items and donations in a bit to help deliver food and aid to children.

All Hands and Hearts Smart Response – a team of volunteers which attends natural disaster locations to work alongside communities to recover by building safe, resilient homes and other community infrastructure.

Hurricane Dorian damage: The Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian damage: The destruction in the Bahamas after a Category 5 hurricane hit (Image: GETTY)

Direct Relief – A body which aims to help people during emergencies by delivering medical aid and first-aid supplies to the affected areas.

Water Mission – Water Mission is providing emergency safe water solutions to people in dire need.

Heart to Heart International – The HHI disaster team is on the ground in the Bahamas helping to provide urgent aid, including emergency response vehicles and a mobile medical unit.

World Hope International – an organisation which attends disasters to help lay systems in place to minimise the damage in areas which are common and world on long-term recovery with affected communities.

International Relief Teams – this body has prepositions more than 1,000 disaster health kits to Florida and is standing by to offer more help.

Hurricane Dorian damage: The Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian damage: There are several organisations working on the ground in Bahamas helping the region recover (Image: GETTY)

Good360 – A Virginia-based charity which has spent the last 35 years providing disaster relief to those in need and is requesting companies and individuals donate items people in the Bahamas need the most including water, toiletries, diapers, tarps, pillows, sheets, blankets and portable chargers.

International Medical Corps – a body mobilising resources and staff to respond to Hurricane Dorian.

Americares – An organisation which sends lifesaving aid and supplies to families affected by Dorian. Currently Americares is operating a |2X Emergency Match” meaning any gift made will be matched dollar for dollar.

SBP – a body which works to shrink the time between a disaster and recovery.

Bahama Strong – A relief effort which asks people to donate common goods such as water, canned goods, can openers, mosquito spray, sunscreen, diapers, baby formula, first-aid items, flashlights, batteries, and small generators. Donations can be made at any fire station in Miami.

source: express.co.uk