Eye-Witness Account Detailing The UNICEF Assessment Team’s First Mission To Abaco, The Most Affected Island In The Bahamas On Friday, September 6

NASSAU / PANAMA / NEW YORK (September 6, 2019) – Earlier today, UNICEF was able to access Abaco, the area of the Bahamas most affected by Hurricane Dorian three days ago. In and around Marsh Harbour on Abaco Island, our team witnessed widespread devastation and destruction. Schools and hospitals are flattened; houses and roads have collapsed; cars and boats are hanging in trees. 

Children and their families who survived the hurricane have lost their homes, their relatives, their livelihoods and have been left with little water and food. The clock is ticking for them to receive lifesaving assistance. More than three days after the hurricane struck, families urgently need safe drinking water. Across the Bahamas, over 18,000 children are estimated to have been exposed to the impact of the hurricane. 

Infrastructure in some parts of Abaco has been severely damaged or destroyed, which presents serious logistical challenges and hampers humanitarian access. In support of the Government and UN partner agencies, UNICEF is working around the clock to start the distribution of lifesaving supplies to families in need. 

The first shipment of UNICEF water and sanitation supplies, including water purification tablets for about 9,500 people, is expected to reach the Bahamas on September 8. UNICEF is urgently seeking $4 million to scale up its emergency response to Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.

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UNICEF USA is also monitoring the situation in Georgia and the Carolinas and is prepared to assist U.S. partners through psychosocial support.

Direct donation page: www.unicefusa.org/dorian
Photos and videos: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AMZIFJBNGX2

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. 

For more information, contact
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org
Gabby Arias, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1306, garias@unicefusa.org