In response to the arrival of Hurricane Matthew, the Bahamas Red Cross deployed their staff trained in disaster response and volunteers to support the Social Public Services in handling evacuations and shelter management on the island of New Providence.
So far, the team of the National Society of Nassau has managed to pack around 1,200 food kits to be distribute to the population after the impact of the hurricane. The kits include only non-perishable food such as sugar, rice, flour or canned food. Each kit is calculated to meet the needs of a family of 5 members for at least 3 days.
Currently the Bahamas Red Cross has used an ambulance to evacuate the population living in the areas most exposed to floods and landslides. Although many people still refuses to be evacuated, especially senior people who do not want to leave their homes, there are more than 20 active shelters on the island, which are being coordinated by local Social Services with the help of staff and volunteers from the Bahamas Red Cross.
Most gas stations in Nassau have closed, as well as shops and schools, and the airport is expected to close during the afternoon.
Diane Turnquest, deputy Director of the Bahamas Red Cross stresses the importance of taking into account the basic security measures against the threat of a natural disaster of this magnitude, "Many times, in the light of day, there are sectors of the population not too concerned, but when it gets dark and the wind starts to blow hard, it is expected that those who had not sought refuge will do, requesting our services, something that is very difficult during the impact of a hurricane and given the lack of transportation we have now", to which she adds that "to deal with the preparation for a disaster it is very important to be aware of the need to store enough supplies and do what is necessary to prevent or reduce human and material losses".
The Bahamas Red Cross is also following up on their social media channels from which they receive and respond, to the extent of their abilities, the doubts of the affected population.