Major damage on several islands

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hurricane Joaquin pummeled parts of the Bahamas as it rose north this weekend.

The Category 4 storm’s biggest damage came in the south of Long Island, where it caused “major devastation,” according to a government statement.

Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie touched down in Long Island and flew over several other affected islands this weekend, holding a press conference Saturday in Exuma.

“We are not going to spare any effort at all in being able to bring immediate assistance to the people wherever they are,” Christie said.

Other affected islands included San Salvador, Rum Cay, Crooked Island and Acklins, although Christie’s delegation was unable to land to explore further.

Damage included the loss of electrical towers on Crooked Island and Long Island, with efforts ongoing to restore power.

Flooding remains a problem in many affected areas, although flights have resumed on national carrier Bahamasair to all Florida gateways, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, Eleuthera, Georgetown, Exuma, Havana, Providenciales and Georgetown (Bahamas).

Most airports in Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco, Andros, Cat Island, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Mayaguana and Inagua have reopened.

There is no service, however, to Long Island, San Salvador, Acklins and Crooked Island, accoreding to a Bahamasair statement.

The airports in Duncan Town Airport in Ragged Island and Rum Cay Airport have both reopened.

Crucially, there had been no reported loss of life in the Bahamas due to the storm.

But the storm’s wrath also included a cargo ship called El Faro that was lost at sea carrying 33 crew; search efforts remain for the ship.