IsraAID brings relief to the Bahamas

IsraAID Emergency Response team coordinating efforts on the ground

Israeli humanitarian NGO IsraAID’s Emergency Response team arrived in the Bahamas on Thursday September 5th, immediately beginning needs assessments and relief distributions in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama, the areas affected by Hurricane Dorian. IsraAID’s team is working in partnership with the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation to form a network of local, community-based organizations to coordinate relief efforts across Grand Bahama island.

The initial plan includes distributing relief supplies to all residents of Grand Bahama, providing urgent Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene support, meeting immediate protection needs and providing Psychological First Aid, and coordinating relief efforts on the island. The second group of IsraAID Emergency Response team members will arrive in the Bahamas today, including Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and Psychosocial Support specialists. IsraAID has also deployed an emergency response specialist to Florida to coordinate relief shipments to the Bahamas.

Hurricane Dorian is the most powerful hurricane to hit the Bahamas in the country’s history, with peak sustained winds of 295 km/h. At least 45 people have been killed, with that number expected to rise as hundreds – possibly thousands – are still missing. The needs on the ground are urgent. In response the ongoing and devastating humanitarian crisis, IsraAID’s team will continue working with community and government organizations to deliver relief now and support long-term recovery efforts.

Donations to support IsraAID’s disaster relief efforts in the Bahamas can be made through the IsraAID Emergency Response Fund.