India extends $1 million aid to Hurricane Dorian victims in Bahamas

Offering a lending hand to the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, on Sunday, announced the Centre's $1 million aid to victims. He expressed sadness at the large scale destruction caused in The Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian. In a gesture of solidarity, he announced that the Government of India was offering immediate disaster relief of $ 1 million. The Category 5 Hurricane has hit many parts of US and Bahamas.

READ: Hurricane Dorian Death Toll Likely To Increase, Says PM Hubert Minnis

Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian developed as a tropical wave August 24, in the Central Atlantic before becoming a hurricane on August 28. Initially pegged as a 'Category 2' storm, it was assessed as 'Category 5' when it hit the Bahamas at a speed of  185 mph building up to 220 mph. The death toll in the Bahamas due to Dorian stands at 43 as per recent reports. Reports also state that property losses in the Bahamas could hit $7 billion.  The airport has been dilapidated, with the commercial buildings battered. Many people are still on a lookout for their family members and close ones.   

READ: Hurricane Dorian Wrecks Bahamas: Death Toll At 20 Says Government

PM Minnis on the current scenario 

Prime Minister of the Bahamas Hubert Minnis recently spoke about the general devastation Hurricane Dorian has caused. He stated that the Hurricane has caused 'generational devastation'. The PM further notified that the challenge right now is to make sure that the displaced people find shelter, clothing, and food. He asserted that it will be dealt with as 'quickly and aggressively' as possible. "We are in the midst of a historic tragedy. The devastation is unprecedented and extensive. We are in the midst of one of the greatest national crises in our country’s history." He further added, "no effort or resources will be held back.” 

READ: Hurricane Dorian Death Toll Likely To Increase, Says PM Hubert Minnis

Hurricane Dorian in the US

Hurricane Dorian hit the US on September 6. After triggering tornadoes in South Carolina, it hit the outer banks of North Carolin. About 500 of 1000 people have stuck around to face the storm on Ocracoke Island. After wreaking havoc in the Bahamas, it swiftly escaped Florida, Georgia and hugged the South Carolina-North Carolina coastline. The hurricane caused massive devastation in South Carolina leaving more than 250,000 homes and business establishments snapped away from power and telecom. Later, the wind speed gradually fell down to 100 mph making it a Category 1 storm.

(With AP Inputs)

READ | Hurricane Dorian hits the Bahamas, moving northeast up the Atlantic