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Hurricane Dorian: aerial footage reveals extent of devastation in Bahamas – as it happened Aerial footage reveals extent of storm devastation in Bahamas – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
Kari Paul logging off for the evening. Please stay tuned tomorrow for more updates as Dorian reaches the US coast and the picture of effects on the Bahamas become clearer.Kari Paul logging off for the evening. Please stay tuned tomorrow for more updates as Dorian reaches the US coast and the picture of effects on the Bahamas become clearer.
Here are the latest updates from this afternoon:Here are the latest updates from this afternoon:
Senator Rick Scott is encouraging Floridians to take evacuation advisories seriously ahead of Hurricane Dorian making landfall on the US coastSenator Rick Scott is encouraging Floridians to take evacuation advisories seriously ahead of Hurricane Dorian making landfall on the US coast
Officials in the Bahamas have called the hurricane and its effects “a crisis of epic proportions”, and warned the death toll will likely continue to climb in coming days.Officials in the Bahamas have called the hurricane and its effects “a crisis of epic proportions”, and warned the death toll will likely continue to climb in coming days.
Disney is donating $1m to recovery efforts after facing criticism for leaving staffers in the Bahamas as the hurricane approached.Disney is donating $1m to recovery efforts after facing criticism for leaving staffers in the Bahamas as the hurricane approached.
The death toll from the hurricane has risen from five to seven, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said on Tuesday night.The death toll from the hurricane has risen from five to seven, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said on Tuesday night.
Donald Trump announced on Twitter he is signing a federal emergency declaration in coming days for North Carolina.Donald Trump announced on Twitter he is signing a federal emergency declaration in coming days for North Carolina.
Read the Guardian’s report for more details on the “unprecedented” damage left in Hurricane Dorian’s wake.Read the Guardian’s report for more details on the “unprecedented” damage left in Hurricane Dorian’s wake.
The death toll for Hurricane Dorian climbed to seven, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said on Tuesday night, according to CNN. The death toll, which was at five earlier in the day, has been expected to climb as survivors of the natural disaster face ongoing food and medicine shortages.The death toll for Hurricane Dorian climbed to seven, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said on Tuesday night, according to CNN. The death toll, which was at five earlier in the day, has been expected to climb as survivors of the natural disaster face ongoing food and medicine shortages.
Donald Trump announced on Twitter Tuesday evening he is signing a federal emergency declaration in coming days for North Carolina.Donald Trump announced on Twitter Tuesday evening he is signing a federal emergency declaration in coming days for North Carolina.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis thanked the president on Twitter.North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis thanked the president on Twitter.
Thank you, Mr. President! https://t.co/71B45yySoqThank you, Mr. President! https://t.co/71B45yySoq
The Guardian’s Tom McCarthy has more on the destruction engulfing the Bahamas, reporting that the Bahamian prime minister Hubert Minnis said on Tuesday, “the devastation is unprecedented and extensive.” Read the full report here.The Guardian’s Tom McCarthy has more on the destruction engulfing the Bahamas, reporting that the Bahamian prime minister Hubert Minnis said on Tuesday, “the devastation is unprecedented and extensive.” Read the full report here.
Disney Cruise Line announced on Tuesday it will donate $1m to relief efforts on Bahamian islands affected by Hurricane Dorian.Disney Cruise Line announced on Tuesday it will donate $1m to relief efforts on Bahamian islands affected by Hurricane Dorian.
The donation comes after a tweet went viral accusing the company of stranding employees in the hurricane, according to USA Today.The donation comes after a tweet went viral accusing the company of stranding employees in the hurricane, according to USA Today.
“Many of our guests have asked questions about Castaway Cay,” stated an advisory message on Disney Cruise Line’s website. “Some of our crew remained on the island and their care and safety is our highest priority. As forecasted, sustained winds on the island did not extend beyond tropical force strength and our crew has returned to their living quarters after spending a few hours in our storm shelter yesterday. Our thoughts continue to be with the people in areas of The Bahamas that are being impacted by this storm and we stand ready to contribute to recovery efforts.”“Many of our guests have asked questions about Castaway Cay,” stated an advisory message on Disney Cruise Line’s website. “Some of our crew remained on the island and their care and safety is our highest priority. As forecasted, sustained winds on the island did not extend beyond tropical force strength and our crew has returned to their living quarters after spending a few hours in our storm shelter yesterday. Our thoughts continue to be with the people in areas of The Bahamas that are being impacted by this storm and we stand ready to contribute to recovery efforts.”
The donation will go towards relief efforts in the Bahamas. The company employs more than 60 people from Abaco and Grand Bahama and others from additional Bahamian islands.The donation will go towards relief efforts in the Bahamas. The company employs more than 60 people from Abaco and Grand Bahama and others from additional Bahamian islands.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian making landfall in the Bahamas, officials are struggling to describe the devastation left in its wake and move forward with rebuilding and rescue efforts, according to the Associated Press:In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian making landfall in the Bahamas, officials are struggling to describe the devastation left in its wake and move forward with rebuilding and rescue efforts, according to the Associated Press:
“It’s total devastation. It’s decimated. Apocalyptic. It looks like a bomb went off,” said Lia Head-Rigby, who helps run a local hurricane relief organization and flew over the Bahamas’ hard-hit Abaco Islands. “It’s not rebuilding something that was there; we have to start again.”“It’s total devastation. It’s decimated. Apocalyptic. It looks like a bomb went off,” said Lia Head-Rigby, who helps run a local hurricane relief organization and flew over the Bahamas’ hard-hit Abaco Islands. “It’s not rebuilding something that was there; we have to start again.”
Five people were killed after the category 5 hurricane with wind gusts of up to 220mph decimated the Grand Bahama and Abaco islands. The death toll is expected to rise as thousands remain without shelter, stranded by flooding, and are likely to face food and medicine shortages in coming days.Five people were killed after the category 5 hurricane with wind gusts of up to 220mph decimated the Grand Bahama and Abaco islands. The death toll is expected to rise as thousands remain without shelter, stranded by flooding, and are likely to face food and medicine shortages in coming days.
The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted at least 21 people injured on Abaco. Rescuers also used jet skis to reach some people as choppy, coffee-colored floodwaters reached roofs and the tops of palm trees.The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted at least 21 people injured on Abaco. Rescuers also used jet skis to reach some people as choppy, coffee-colored floodwaters reached roofs and the tops of palm trees.
“We will confirm what the real situation is on the ground,” Health Minister Duane Sands said. “We are hoping and praying that the loss of life is limited.”“We will confirm what the real situation is on the ground,” Health Minister Duane Sands said. “We are hoping and praying that the loss of life is limited.”
The Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said Tuesday more dead are likely to be found, according to the Nassau Guardian.The Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said Tuesday more dead are likely to be found, according to the Nassau Guardian.
“It’s certainly a concern for us,” he said. “This was a crisis of epic proportions. We want to be responsible; we want to be caring.”“It’s certainly a concern for us,” he said. “This was a crisis of epic proportions. We want to be responsible; we want to be caring.”
According to the Associated Press, Red Cross spokesman Matthew Cochrane said more than 13,000 houses, or about 45% of the homes on Grand Bahama and Abaco, were believed to have been severely damaged or destroyed. U.N. officials said more than 60,000 people on the hard-hit islands will need food, and the Red Cross said some 62,000 will need clean drinking water.According to the Associated Press, Red Cross spokesman Matthew Cochrane said more than 13,000 houses, or about 45% of the homes on Grand Bahama and Abaco, were believed to have been severely damaged or destroyed. U.N. officials said more than 60,000 people on the hard-hit islands will need food, and the Red Cross said some 62,000 will need clean drinking water.
“What we are hearing lends credence to the fact that this has been a catastrophic storm and a catastrophic impact,” Cochrane said.“What we are hearing lends credence to the fact that this has been a catastrophic storm and a catastrophic impact,” Cochrane said.
Florida Senator Rick Scott encouraged people in the state to take calls to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s approach seriously.Florida Senator Rick Scott encouraged people in the state to take calls to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s approach seriously.
“If you’re in an evacuation zone, you need to evacuate and don’t wait until the last minute…don’t take a chance.”“If you’re in an evacuation zone, you need to evacuate and don’t wait until the last minute…don’t take a chance.”
.@SenRickScott on preparations for Hurricane #Dorian: “If you’re in an evacuation zone, you need to evacuate and don’t wait until the last minute…don’t take a chance.” pic.twitter.com/dK9imHknTk.@SenRickScott on preparations for Hurricane #Dorian: “If you’re in an evacuation zone, you need to evacuate and don’t wait until the last minute…don’t take a chance.” pic.twitter.com/dK9imHknTk
Hello readers, West Coast reporter Kari Paul here to keep you updated on hurricane news for the afternoon. Stay tuned for more.Hello readers, West Coast reporter Kari Paul here to keep you updated on hurricane news for the afternoon. Stay tuned for more.
It’s been a dramatic day despite Hurricane Dorian moving so slowly, because the scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is only now being revealed for a shocked world to witness.It’s been a dramatic day despite Hurricane Dorian moving so slowly, because the scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is only now being revealed for a shocked world to witness.
And also, Dorian has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane, something over 100 miles from Florida’s Space Coast this hour, but it is expanding in size and is still a serious threat to northern Florida and up along the Carolinas coast.And also, Dorian has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane, something over 100 miles from Florida’s Space Coast this hour, but it is expanding in size and is still a serious threat to northern Florida and up along the Carolinas coast.
In recent hours:In recent hours:
The National Hurricane Center warned that Dorian is speeding up again and heading for the south-eastern US, with storm surge flooding the greatest threat at this stage, for the Carolinas.The National Hurricane Center warned that Dorian is speeding up again and heading for the south-eastern US, with storm surge flooding the greatest threat at this stage, for the Carolinas.
Parts of the Bahamas have been utterly destroyed and the aerial footage emerging is shocking and heart-wrenching.Parts of the Bahamas have been utterly destroyed and the aerial footage emerging is shocking and heart-wrenching.
Queen Elizabeth, head of state in the Bahamas, a commonwealth realm, has sent official commiserations after the Bahamian government lamented the terrible disaster to hit the archipelago nation.Queen Elizabeth, head of state in the Bahamas, a commonwealth realm, has sent official commiserations after the Bahamian government lamented the terrible disaster to hit the archipelago nation.
Dorian, which had been stalled, devastatingly, over Grand Bahama, finally shifted away this morning and began creeping, first at 1mph, now, by afternoon, at 6mph, towards the US coast, in the direction of northern Florida.Dorian, which had been stalled, devastatingly, over Grand Bahama, finally shifted away this morning and began creeping, first at 1mph, now, by afternoon, at 6mph, towards the US coast, in the direction of northern Florida.
I’m handing over to my west coast colleague, Kari Paul, now.I’m handing over to my west coast colleague, Kari Paul, now.
Bahamian floodingBahamian flooding
Here’s another batch of satellite images showing before and after Dorian inundation in the Bahamas, as reported by CNBC.Here’s another batch of satellite images showing before and after Dorian inundation in the Bahamas, as reported by CNBC.
And there are some new maps from the Weather Channel, as the hurricane, now category 2 but expanding in size and therefore threat of storm surge flooding for the US south-east coast, heads for Florida.And there are some new maps from the Weather Channel, as the hurricane, now category 2 but expanding in size and therefore threat of storm surge flooding for the US south-east coast, heads for Florida.
#Dorian has picked up speed and is now moving NW at 6 mph. It is expected to move near or over the Carolinas sometime late Thursday.Hurricane watches and warnings have been extended northward, and a tropical storm watch is now in effect for parts of coastal Virginia. pic.twitter.com/iKx2FY2JWu#Dorian has picked up speed and is now moving NW at 6 mph. It is expected to move near or over the Carolinas sometime late Thursday.Hurricane watches and warnings have been extended northward, and a tropical storm watch is now in effect for parts of coastal Virginia. pic.twitter.com/iKx2FY2JWu
The hurricane is now moving north-west at 6mph. Dorian is about 125 miles east-south-east of Cape Canaveral, according to the National Hurricane Center.The hurricane is now moving north-west at 6mph. Dorian is about 125 miles east-south-east of Cape Canaveral, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Winds are at a sustained speed of 110mph. The storm surge warning has been extended northwards to Surf City, North Carolina.Winds are at a sustained speed of 110mph. The storm surge warning has been extended northwards to Surf City, North Carolina.
The storm surge Watch has been extended northward to Duck, North Carolina, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers.The storm surge Watch has been extended northward to Duck, North Carolina, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers.
A hurricane warning has been issued from Savannah River to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, and from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina.A hurricane warning has been issued from Savannah River to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, and from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina.
What was a hurricane warning from around Vero Beach to Jupiter, Florida, has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning. And south of Jupiter, there is no longer a tropical storm warning.What was a hurricane warning from around Vero Beach to Jupiter, Florida, has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning. And south of Jupiter, there is no longer a tropical storm warning.
New Watches and Warnings Issued Along the Southeastern United States Coast. Rain and Wind Threat also Increasing For Portions of Virginia Coast and Southern Chesapeake Bay. Here are the 5 PM Tuesday Key Messages for #Dorian. For More Info See: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/yBpORo5H9ONew Watches and Warnings Issued Along the Southeastern United States Coast. Rain and Wind Threat also Increasing For Portions of Virginia Coast and Southern Chesapeake Bay. Here are the 5 PM Tuesday Key Messages for #Dorian. For More Info See: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/yBpORo5H9O
So, Mar-a-Lago’s off the hook. FYI.So, Mar-a-Lago’s off the hook. FYI.
Shocking aerial imagesShocking aerial images
The footage coming out of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas shows extraordinary damage, really dreadful.The footage coming out of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas shows extraordinary damage, really dreadful.
We have been informed aid is on the way, from the US, the United Nations and other bodies, but clearly it can’t come soon enough, and access is going to be a nightmare. What a tragedy unfolding, truly a disaster.We have been informed aid is on the way, from the US, the United Nations and other bodies, but clearly it can’t come soon enough, and access is going to be a nightmare. What a tragedy unfolding, truly a disaster.
Overwhelming the sight of total destruction in #Abaco. Simply devastating. #Bahamas #Dorian pic.twitter.com/p17VIKBFy9Overwhelming the sight of total destruction in #Abaco. Simply devastating. #Bahamas #Dorian pic.twitter.com/p17VIKBFy9
DorianDorian
Deadly spiralDeadly spiral
Florida’s Space Coast is largely evacuated but, nonetheless, NASA has posted this extraordinary video to Twitter, via the Kennedy Space Center, showing the deadly, destructive Dorian when it was squatting and spinning mercilessly over the Bahamas before finally easing away very slowly - toward the US.Florida’s Space Coast is largely evacuated but, nonetheless, NASA has posted this extraordinary video to Twitter, via the Kennedy Space Center, showing the deadly, destructive Dorian when it was squatting and spinning mercilessly over the Bahamas before finally easing away very slowly - toward the US.
We stitched together this video from our @NASA #Goes satellite to show how #HurricaneDorian spent 24 hours in nearly the same location— causing widespread devastation in the #Bahamas. pic.twitter.com/rkXwokcOYzWe stitched together this video from our @NASA #Goes satellite to show how #HurricaneDorian spent 24 hours in nearly the same location— causing widespread devastation in the #Bahamas. pic.twitter.com/rkXwokcOYz
This aerial footage, hat tip to CNN, is utterly sobering. The scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is clearly only just beginning to unfold for those of us observing from afar.This aerial footage, hat tip to CNN, is utterly sobering. The scale of the catastrophe in the Bahamas is clearly only just beginning to unfold for those of us observing from afar.
Queen Elizabeth, queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, shared her condolences with the Governor-General of the Bahamas, an independent commonwealth realm since 1973, a little earlier today.Queen Elizabeth, queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, shared her condolences with the Governor-General of the Bahamas, an independent commonwealth realm since 1973, a little earlier today.
As head of state, she sent the message from herself and her husband.As head of state, she sent the message from herself and her husband.
“Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, and we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives following this terrible storm,” the statement from Buckingham Palace began.“Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, and we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives following this terrible storm,” the statement from Buckingham Palace began.
“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have seen their homes and property destroyed, and I also send my gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have seen their homes and property destroyed, and I also send my gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”
South Carolina beaches under threatSouth Carolina beaches under threat
Extensive beach erosion already causing problems ahead of #Dorian at Isle of Palms at Breach Inlet side. Our beaches are ready weakened. Pic by Ginger Sutton. @scdhec @NWSCharlestonSC #chswx pic.twitter.com/hgbgz2Vb92Extensive beach erosion already causing problems ahead of #Dorian at Isle of Palms at Breach Inlet side. Our beaches are ready weakened. Pic by Ginger Sutton. @scdhec @NWSCharlestonSC #chswx pic.twitter.com/hgbgz2Vb92
The National Hurricane Center reports that Dorian continues to move away from the Bahamas, towards Florida, and high winds are being experienced in the state.The National Hurricane Center reports that Dorian continues to move away from the Bahamas, towards Florida, and high winds are being experienced in the state.
These are likely to get stronger over the next 24 hours.These are likely to get stronger over the next 24 hours.
3 PM EDT: Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Update on #Dorian, as tropical storm force winds are now occurring along the Florida east coast. See https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for more information. pic.twitter.com/uFKnXiJlDB3 PM EDT: Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Update on #Dorian, as tropical storm force winds are now occurring along the Florida east coast. See https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for more information. pic.twitter.com/uFKnXiJlDB
DorianDorian
Rip tidesRip tides
There are more folks out on the beach in Florida than one might imagine when a hurricane is bearing down.There are more folks out on the beach in Florida than one might imagine when a hurricane is bearing down.
But the US National Weather Service is reminding the public about some of the dangers that can’t be seen until you’re in the grip of them.But the US National Weather Service is reminding the public about some of the dangers that can’t be seen until you’re in the grip of them.
If you get caught in a #RipCurrent, STAY CALM. As illustrated by this green dye in a rip current; it will pull you away from shore. If you try to fight the rip current & swim against it, you will just get worn out. Instead - swim parallel to the beach! https://t.co/TtgOsoLzlm https://t.co/mA1p1oTYNm pic.twitter.com/ctnEjZdLRVIf you get caught in a #RipCurrent, STAY CALM. As illustrated by this green dye in a rip current; it will pull you away from shore. If you try to fight the rip current & swim against it, you will just get worn out. Instead - swim parallel to the beach! https://t.co/TtgOsoLzlm https://t.co/mA1p1oTYNm pic.twitter.com/ctnEjZdLRV