Bahamas devastated by Dorian, as Royal Caribbean commits $1m in hurricane disaster relief
At least 20 people have been killed, and as many as 13,000 houses damaged or destroyed, after the category five hurricane brought wind gusts of more than 350 kilometres per hour that decimated the Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands.
“We can expect more deaths to be recorded,” Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said Tuesday, as reported by CNN. “Our priority is search, rescue and recovery.”
The devastation caused by the storm has become clearer with the return of emergency personnel and the media to the islands, as the Red Cross revealed on Twitter, after the storm made landfall in the Bahamas on Sunday.
This aerial video tweeted by @Reuters shows the scale of devastation in the Bahamas after #HurricaneDorian
Red Cross teams are providing support on the ground, but more is needed.
If you want to support, you can donate here: https://t.co/cTdFrpUpL0 pic.twitter.com/haHayomRof
— IFRC (@ifrc) September 4, 2019
Residents who desperately need medical evacuations or emergency aid have been dealt a devastating blow, as the only airport on the island of Grand Bahama has been ripped apart by Dorian.
“After two days of trying, we’re finally able to get into the Freeport airport,” CNN‘s Patrick Oppmann said from the scene Wednesday.
“It’s gone. … The level of devastation is actually breathtaking. There are no walls left at the airport. The ceiling has come crashing,” he said adding: “The runway field is now a debris field.”
Kionne L. McGhee, a US Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, shared a video of the Freeport airport on his official Twitter page, which shows it completely submerged by floodwaters during the storm.
Hurricane Update: Iram Lewis,
Member of Parliament,
Central Grand Bahama sent me this video of Freeport International Airport: FPO pic.twitter.com/oDPIJXBnP9— Kionne “Commish” McGhee (@kionnemcghee) September 2, 2019
The Red Cross estimates that 99 per cent of people on Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama will require some form of emergency assistance.
Royal Caribbean (RCL) revealed this morning that it is joining relief efforts by committing $1 million to Hurricane Dorian disaster relief. The cruise line’s partner, ITM, is also donating an additional $100,000.
“We are loading all kinds of goods onto our ships— generators, water, cleaning supplies, clean sheets, towels, and more—for direct delivery to the Bahamas. The trained employee volunteers we call the GO Team are on their way to assist with relief efforts. And we’re taking special care of coworkers and their families who were affected by the storm,” an RCL spokesperson said in a statement.
To ensure donations go where they can do the most good, RCL said it is collaborating with the Bahamian government, as well as a network of Bahamian charities.
“For more than half a century, we’ve made many friends and many memories. The Bahamas is also home to more than 500 of our colleagues who work at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Grand Bahama Shipyard,” an RCL spokesperson said.
“So in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, we’re rolling up our sleeves to help our friends, and inviting our guests to help.”
Dorian has since been downgraded to a still life-threatening category 2 storm and has moved toward the United States where it is hitting the Florida coastline.
The US mainland recorded its first death in connection with the hurricane – an 85-year-old man in North Carolina who fell off a ladder while preparing his home for the storm, as reported by the Associated Press. Dorian was also blamed for one death in Puerto Rico.
As #HurricaneDorian spins less than 100 miles east-northeast of #DaytonaBeach, #Florida this morning, NOAA’s #GOES16 satellite is using its 1-km visible band to track where #Dorian is going next. Get the latest here NHC_Atlantic. #flwx #gawx #scwx #ncwx pic.twitter.com/JZKZWKs5cq
— NOAA Satellites – Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) September 4, 2019
The storm is expected to bring flash flooding and storm surges to the coasts of several US states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, provided an update on the storm by The White House’s official Twitter account.
“Hopefully, we’re going to be lucky,” Trump said of the storm.
President @realDonaldTrump gives an update on Hurricane #Dorian: pic.twitter.com/CmxAXHY5AO
— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) September 4, 2019
Royal Caribbean is matching every dollar of guests and employees’ donations to the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) – the cruise line’s not-for-profit partner –, which will go toward Hurricane Dorian disaster relief.
If you want to contribute, visit https://www.padf.org/hurricane-dorian-celebrity or https://www.padf.org/hurricane-dorian-royal .
Featured image: NASA Observatory/’Hurricane Dorian Pounds the Bahamas’ by Lauren Dauphin
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!