As we mark the anniversary of Hurricane Dorian and Bahamians prepare for another hurricane season, we’ve revised these Quick Facts to include updated information on both recovery efforts and the challenges of COVID-19.
Hurricane Dorian was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record — and the strongest hurricane to have ever hit The Bahamas.
Dorian hit The Bahamas on September 1, 2019 as a Category 5 hurricane, causing flooding and mass destruction on the northwest islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama. The storm pummeled Grand Bahama Islands for 48 long hours before finally moving away from the islands.
According to the Inter-American Development Bank, Dorian caused about $3.4 billion in damages, which is equal to one-quarter of The Bahamas’ GDP.
The current death toll stands at 74 people, with 63 from Abaco and 22 from Grand Bahama, although 245 people are still missing a year later. In addition to the loss of lives, 29,500 people are homeless and/or jobless. Now, with the added crisis of COVID-19 and another hurricane season beginning, the islands’ recovery efforts are adapting to the new normal of 2020.
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