Abaco survivors: ‘Only animals can live here’
ABACO, Bahamas — Hundreds of storm victims, carrying their meager possessions in duffel bags and shopping carts, gathered Friday at the port in Grand Abaco in hopes of getting off the hurricane-devastated island, amid signs of rising frustration over the pace of the disaster-relief effort.
“It’s chaos here,” said Gee Rolle, 44, a construction worker who waited with his wife for a boat that could take them to the capital, Nassau. “The government is trying their best, but at the same time, I don’t think they’re doing a good enough job to evacuate the people. It ain’t livable for nobody. Only animals can live here.”
The Bahamian Health Ministry said helicopters and boats were on the way, but officials warned of delays because of flooding.
The search for victims and survivors went on, meanwhile, five days after Dorian blasted the Bahamas with 185 mph winds.
At the port, some of those who lined up behind a yellow cloth tape arrived as early as 1 a.m., hoping to get to Nassau.
“It’s going to get crazy soon,” said Serge Simon, 39, who drives an ice truck and waited with his wife and two sons, 5 months old and 4. “There’s no food, no water. There are bodies in the water.”
There were no government- organized evacuations yet, but the Royal Bahamas Defense Force helped people board a 139foot ferry that had come to pick up its employees and had room for an additional 160 people.
A British navy ship moored offshore sent in aid on a landing craft. Two private yachts also brought in supplies. An array of organizations and companies, including the United Nations, Royal Caribbean and American Airlines, have mobilized to send in food, water, generators, roof tarps, diapers, flashlights and other supplies.