Description of the disaster
On 2 October 2015, the island chain of the Bahamas experienced significant damage with many houses destroyed and widespread reports of heavy flooding and storm surges mainly in the central and southern sections of the archipelago due to the passage of Hurricane Joaquin. On 3 October, Hurricane Joaquin moved slowly across the southern and central islands unleashing torrential rains, wind and storm surges, leading to flooding and salt water intrusion in several areas.
Total losses and the total number of persons affected by the hurricane are yet to be determined. However, based on the 2010 Census Report, less than two per cent of the country’s population lives in the central and southern islands of the Lucayan Archipelago. There are no reports of deaths or injuries. Hurricane Joaquin went on to affect Turks and Caicos, where damage assessments are ongoing. In addition, the outer bands of the system impacted western and northern sections of Haiti, where flooding, landslides and one death were reported.
According to the CDEMA Situation Report on 4 October, regional response actions have been undertaken in accordance with the Regional Coordination Plan and the CDEMA Operational Plan for Hurricane Joaquin. Based on a request from the government of The Bahamas, the CDEMA system Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment efforts were activated. The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment Teams (RNATs) were deployed to Long Island, Crooked Island and Acklins Island on Monday, 5 October to support the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Each team is being led by CDEMA and supported by representatives from the following CDEMA Participating States and other Regional and International agencies:
Barbados
Jamaica
Virgin Islands (British)
Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
PAHO
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada
The RNATs have completed assessments on Acklins Island, Crooked Island and Long Island. Through the support of the CDEMA North Western Sub-Regional focal point - Jamaica and the Government of the United Kingdom, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Lyme Bay ship departed Kingston, Jamaica on October 3rd, 2015 to deliver emergency supplies, including cereal products, pasta, canned meat and vegetables, bottled water, tarpaulins and blankets, to Acklins Island, Crooked Island and Mayaguana.
Data on the damage and needs analysis is currently being collated at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC). Additionally, manpower is being sent in to assist with repairs, and additional materials are being shipped to the impacted islands.