Aerial footage shows total devastation in Abaco, Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. Photo: Youtube

Before and after satellite imagery of Grand Bahama island. Photo: Photo Credits: Google Earth, Data SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO After ICEYE

Dorian caused widespread devastation in the Bahamas. Photo: US Coast Guard/Adam Stanton

The Bahamas prime minister raised the death toll from Hurricane Dorian on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from five to seven and said more deaths were expected as the storm begins to move away from the Caribbean archipelago.

Hubert A. Minnis said the deaths involved two people who were injured and were taken to New Providence Island. The full scope of the disaster won't be known until the storm passes.

Hurricane Dorian has left the Bahamas devastated, with residents reporting widespread damage -- homes ripped apart, water covering everything in its path.

Rescue missions are underway in the Bahamas by civilians who are volunteering to brave treacherous conditions around the island on their own boats and jet skis in an effort to rescue neighbors, friends and strangers.

However, some were hopeful that more rescues would begin Wednesday morning after a coast guard helicopter was seen flying over the island late last night.  

Relief organizations are scrambling to help even as many are just beginning to understand how bad the damage is.

A striking satellite image of Grand Bahama Island shows vast areas of the island under water.

Coordinate your efforts- Premier Fahie

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said he has been in communication with PM Minnis on a daily basis and that the VI people can empathize with the situation in the Bahamas based on its own experience with hurricanes Irma and Maria nearly two years ago.

In a statement in the House of Assembly on Monday, September 2, 2019, Hon Fahie said many Virgin Islands residents who have seen the images out of the Bahamas and have sounded the alarm that there is no point in waiting for any official appeal or declaration, to begin gathering relief supplies to help our neighbours.

I would like to offer a suggestion to our Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) who would want to undertake the collection of medical supplies, non-perishable food items, clothing and other items. Come together, pool your human and other resources, and coordinate your efforts with each other. More can be achieved in this way.”

The Premier noted that the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has also indicated it is on standby to offer assistance. “I would encourage persons who are desirous of contributing with relief efforts to contact and coordinate with the DDM.”

Further, Premier Fahie said he has been in contact with colleagues in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and that the OECS Member States are also working to coordinate their respective efforts for the collection and delivery of relief supplies.

“I can also state that I have contacted some of the companies operating in the BVI that have resources such as barges, and asked them to be on standby to assist in delivering supplies once the all-clear is given for them to sail to The Bahamas.”