The Caribbean Hurricane Page

Updates from the Islands

- - The Bahamas - -

• From: Gail Carew <carewG AT loki.cofc.edu>
• Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 19:18:42 -0400

Latest Detailed Update from D & K Gerace:
"The plane which took Dr. D. Gamble & party to SS today just returned w/the
following news.  Electricity has been restored to about half the island, but
mot BFS & UE. Hopefully it will be back on by Monday.  The Geraces house
lost its antennas, satellite dish & some shingles.  No other damage.  W.
side of island received the most damage by the storm surge.  The E. side
received the least damage.
The report from BFS is that rooms in the builduing where graduate housing &
faculty storage is located was the most damaged.  Some windows are out of
the dorm & 2 faculty rms."

• From: Gail Carew <carewG AT loki.cofc.edu>
• Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 18:34:43 -0400

A plane from MSU has flown into San Sal & evaluated the island. The
report is as follows.  No injuries, no deaths.  Airport is open.  The
island fared the storm surprisingly well.  There is minimal damage.  W.
side was hit the hardest though  Riding Rock will be taking guests this
coming week end.  Some flooding from storm surge.  There is potable
water.  Phones are sporadic.  Power plant was damaged & no power as of
yet.  BFS lost some windows & misc. minor damage.  Supply plane due to
fly from FL on 10/21.

• From: RUIZAMC AT aol.com
• Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 18:34:30 EDT

Due to the catastrophic damages we incurred on Great Guana Cay e are 
appealing to all our friends & visitors to assist u in the restoration of our 
cay and the other barrier cays that will be isolated without power and 
supplies for months and months.  We need "ORGANIZED" Aid.  

Mr. Lynn Borrow  and Michelle - Have  warehouses in Miami-Hialeah Florida
Please, if you are able to offer in-kind donations or monetary assistance 
please call them.  They have the list of required items that was forwarded to 
them.  

305-826-7447  office
305-826-3328 Fax
305-868-0058 aid Guana Cay

2650 West 84th Street
Hialeah, FL 33016

will post report on current issues this evening.

• From: JandSBrock AT aol.com
• Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 14:50:59 EDT

Hi am Susan Brock.  I just received a phone call from Michael Parks of 
Valentines on Harbour Island.  Here is the latest news.  Michael said that 
both Marinas are gone, he projects at least 6 months before they are up and 
operating.  For latest on dockage availability check his website at 
www.valentinesmarina.com. or his email address safeharb AT batelnet.bs.  The 
hotel at Valentine's will not be operating until Jan. 1.  Their area has no 
electricity, water, or phones.  They hope to maybe have water by end of next 
week.  Electricity maybe in a couple of weeks, they are just not sure.  
Phones may take as long as two months to be up and operating.  Without ice or 
electricity they are having a problem with food spoilage and are obviously 
short on water.  There have been no injuries or deaths.  A lot of flooding, 
roads out, and trees blown over.  He mentioned that "the fig tree has been 
blown down", and that much of the beaches has been washed away.  Rose  and 
co. of the dive shop are safe.

Please pass on this information.  Sincerely Susan Brock.  I could not post 
this on the message board, because it would not let me access new messages 
section or update my old one.  I'll try again later.  My parents Diane and 
Bill Stewart who were staying at Anne Stallworth's home  on the island are 
safe.  Thank God.  :)

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 18 Sep 1999 11:41:55 U

Posted by: Russell Mack (web page)
Host:  cc906063-a.stcl1.mi.home.com
IP #:  24.2.209.12
E-mail: <web-mon AT bahamas-mon.com>
Date Posted: September 18, 1999 at 13:00:49
Subject: TC update from Robert Meister
Message:

I went to Treasure Cay on Thursday (9/18), so here are some facts and news
of what we know so far.

First of all, THANKS for all the tremendous support.
If you want to help, The Bahamas Government has set up a monetary relief
fund and here is the information for anyone who wants to donate money:
BAHAMAS HURRICANE RELIEF FUND
FIRST UNION BANK MIAMI
200 S BISCAYNE BLVD
MIAMI, FL 33131
ACCOUNT NO. 209 000 199 2950

PLEASE DO NOT go to Treasure Cay unless you have some kind of permission or
permit from the Bahamas Government or other emergency reason. You need
permission even if you just want to drop off relief supplies,
but you need to make sure that Local Government Social Service Administrators
receive them at Customs. You will be charged duty otherwise.
Main customs officer at TC is Mr. Bethel. If you need
to come in, you must bring your documents. Please check for updates,
because policies will change at some point.

HERE IS MY BRIEF REPORT:
The roads are open to TC with SOME flooding (receding now),
debris and powerlines down including within TC.
The good news is, Richard Collins (our engineer) has performed
a minor miracle and restored approx. 1/3 of power capacity which covers the
central area including administration/reception center, supermarket, medical
clinic, the long building and other areas. The bad news is that all of our
other generators in the power plant were flooded 3 feet deep with saltwater
and are inoperable, maybe not even salvageble. We have already rented an
additional generator for TC, but it will take time to get it there.

Batelco's main phone exchange at TC was flooded with saltwater.

GOOD NEWS. Believe it or not, the marina has surprisingly little damage to
the docks with only one small dock down and a few planks bend or missing.
Most boats look almost untouched, but some have minor damage
to railings, outriggers, etc.
Status Report:
MARK KIM sank.
PHOEBUS-hull damage starboard side
JUSTICE-bad, most damaged boat in marina
WIND CHIME-damage to sail only
ELEGANTE-some damage to hull
BETH SHEEBA-some hull damage
BONJOUR-damage to starboard side
If your boat is NOT on this list, consider yourselves lucky.
You might have a broken antenna or outriggers or nothing at all.
If you need to contact us, please call 954-525-7711.

The hotel (Harbour Houses) building is intact, especially the newer roofs did
very well with almost no damage. Parts of the older roofs came off and shingles
are gone. The worst is the flooding damage. We estimate that storm surge was
around 8 to 10 feet and saltwater got in the lower level of rooms.
Several windows have blown out and A/C's are gone because of saltwater
damage. Part of the seawall in front of hotel collapsed.

More good news. The Tipsy Seagull has very mild damage (we all need a drink
after this one). The Spinnaker Restaurant has about 8 windows blown in,
therefore the inside is a mess. Carpet is history and kitchen got flooded as
well. There is a hole in the roof on the backside.

The administration center is fine (which is of great help to us).

The real estate office collapsed.

Windward Beach was still inaccessable, because of downed trees.
I was told, almost every home has serious flood damage and this area
is among the worst off. Storm surge at the resort was around 8-10 feet
we estimate. Kiki Graetz almost drowned. She held on to a pole or piling
in her house while water was gushing through. I am sure there are more
stories like this of which we will hear.
The Tillberg house roof collapsed and the house is a total
mess, but Mr. and Mrs. Tillberg survived. They drove to the shelter
during the eye of the storm.
Phil English's house has a boat ? in his living room and the front side
is bad.
John Williams has his car buried almost completely in sand .
And on and on and on, the damage to homes is extensive and sure will be
in tens of millions dollars. Structurally, the majority of buildings
did reasonably well, but once you have a leak and there are plenty,
even a small one, everything got wet inside. And you know what
saltwater does to your belongings and electrical outlets.
Many homes and condos have lost shingles or more.
Trailers flipped over, one was sitting on top of a pickup truck.
The canal behind Atlantis is a complete mess.
The docks are warped, boats sitting on top of warped docks, docks sitting
on top of boats, boats sitting on top of lawns and a boat squeezed between
a wall and Atlantis condo like it was parked there intentionally.
Several boats sunk right there on that canal.
One boat was washed out the canal, into the marina and across the bay
1/2 a mile away.
The old barge outside the marina entrance now sits in front of the Kiebler
house, which looked bad from the air.

We anticipate to reopen the hotel, villas by December, if not earlier.
The Marina could be open earlier. Our biggest problem is the electrical
damage and tests will have to be done. We already had two minor fires
when power was restored to certain areas. Please be careful, when the power
comes back.

In certain areas, bark was sheared off trees and every tree is down.
The vegetation is virtually gone and it does look like a bomb went off.
However, this will come back quickly (3-6 months).
A saw a confused hummingbird looking for flowers, but there are none.
I saw one dead kitten and someone in GTC saw a bird without feathers.

Mr. Pinder and other people in the shelter heard the hurricane hunter plane
over TC during the eye (I will give National Hurricane Center a call).

Immediately after the storm, we (Treasure Cay Services) started a relief fund
with 4 South Florida locations for dropoffs.
We already sent two planeloads full of relief supplies including a packed
cargo-converted Gulfstream Intl. Beechcraft. Thanks to Wendy Clements.
These supplies went to Fox Town, Coopers Town, and to TC.
Jim Nawn of Green Turtle Club has been active for GTC.
As of last night, he said they needed manpower, because everyone is
working on their roofs.
Several of our employees have structural damage and flooding in their homes.

It is almost a miracle, that no one died or had a major injury.
In Fox Town, several people in a shelter left the church during the eye and
ran to another shelter because the roof was in bad shape. When they
came back after the storm, the church roof was gone.
The prime minister yesterday said on the radio, that virtually
everyone is homeless in Fox Town. Coopers Town looked bad from the air with
several homes completely destroyed.

Sorry, that I couldn't get this out quicker, but we were overwhelmed with
calls and logistical problems.

If you want to offer help, you can e-mail us at info AT treasurecay.com and list
your phone number please. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

More soon,

Robert Meister
President
Treasure Cay Services, Inc.






------------------------------------------------------------------------

• From: "pp000509 AT mindspring.com" <pp000509 AT mindspring.com>
• Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 12:47:04 -0400

OOPS! I Goofed!

I got the days wrong on two of the video archives posted earlier.

Here is the corrected post:

Channel 12 out of West Palm has video archives of their news program at
the following URL: 
http://www.broadcast.com/television/wpec/archive.stm

To see footage and interviews click on 
Wednesday 11:00-11:35 Treasure Cay (3:00 minutes into video) 
Friday 5:00-5:30 Cooperstown (4:34 min. into video) 
Friday 5:30-6:00 Marsh Harbor (8:30 min. into video) 
Friday 6:00-6:30 Cooperstown (4:39 min. into video) 
Thursday 11:00-11:35 Paradise Island, Marsh Harbor (5:07 min. into
video) 

You need Real Player to view these.  You can get the plug-in from a link
at the bottom of the webcast archive page (i.e., the URL above).

I am sorry for any inconvenience!  
Email me if you have questions. (susan.bethel AT mindspring.com)

• From: Sebastian Mottram <sebast AT grouper.batelnet.bs>
• Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 11:00:48 -0500

Material goods intended for import to the Bahamas for the purpose of hurricane relief should be consigned to: Bahamas Government Hurricane Relief Fund

Don't shoot the messenger

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 18 Sep 1999 07:43:49 U

By PS on Saturday, September 18, 1999 - 10:55 am:
In order to get a duty-free status on donations and materials being brought in the following procedure need apply:

FAX: (242) 327-5806
MS TERESA BUTLER
Permanent Secretary
Office of the Prime Minister
Nassau, Bahamas

Address letter to the referenced above - explain
1) WHO you are 2) WHERE you live 3) REASON WHY you are bringing the materials 4) COMPLETE DECLARATION OF GOODS being brought in and 5) HOW they are arriving and at which PORT

Once you fax this information to Ms. Butler you will get a fax back within an hour or so with a faxed permission slip which you will need to
present to the customs officers upon landing at airport (bring receipts). 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 18 Sep 1999 06:41:08 U

By carol phelps on Saturday, September 18, 1999 - 12:00 am:
Casuarina Point Update: Just received email answer from Malcolm Spicer in Marsh Harbour. They just got oii.net up and running again. He lost his house at Casuarina, several people lost houses there, alot of damage, but everyone safe. He thinks total phone service may not be available for 2 months.

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 18 Sep 1999 06:35:32 U

By Susan on Saturday, September 18, 1999 - 02:00 am:
Channel 12 out of West Palm has video archives of their news program at the following URL:
http://www.broadcast.com/television/wpec/archive.stm
To see footage and interviews click on
Thursday 11:00-11:35 Treasure Cay (3:00 minutes into video)
Friday 5:00-5:30 Cooperstown (4:34 min. into video)
Friday 5:30-6:00 Marsh Harbor (8:30 min. into video)
Friday 6:00-6:30 Cooperstown (4:39 min. into video)
Friday 11:00-11:35 Paradise Island, Marsh Harbor (5:07 min. into video)

You have to have "Real Player."
Any questions, please email me at susan.bethel AT mindspring.com.

• From: Outisland AT webtv.net (John Talbott)
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 20:41:17 -0500 (EST)

Just missed obtaining trailer any suggesestions?thanks john call toll
free 1-800-881-2147  

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 17 Sep 1999 17:11:49 U

_______________________________________________________________________________
From: dgmcginty on Fri, Sep 17, 1999 3:24 PM
Subject: Bahamas Home Rentals

Glenn Drummond just returned from Governor's Harbour.  He felt it was not as
bad as he had been lead to believe.   He estimated 40-50% had severe damage.
Clinic is ok, Barkely's had only water damage, grocery store open,
Government building can be repaired; Griffins has gas until it runs out;
lots of damage to the asphalt; damage to Govt. dock.

He had electricity!  They are right next to Batelco (which did lose it's
roof as did Lois Hanson).  He could not get down Banks to check on Chili's
house;  Folly and Cleartide seemed ok from the road; I believe you can get
to Double Bay; Unique restaurant lost its windows.

David and I are going down Sunday, taking visqueen (?), duct tape, candles,
batteries, and water (Glenn said it was needed).  We will post more after we
return.

Judy McGinty
dgmcginty AT msn.com
http://www.the-bahamas.com

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 17 Sep 1999 13:35:19 U

-----Original Message-----
From: Reg Metcalfe <regkit AT ican.net>
To: Bahamafriends AT onelist.com <Bahamafriends AT onelist.com>
Date: Friday, September 17, 1999 4:42 AM
Subject: [Bahamafriends] Wonderful Report...Time to Help...


Eleuthera
  Roofs were blown off, marinas destroyed, water, power and communication 
outages. Rock Sound and
  Governor's Harbour airports are open.
  Hatchet Bay harbour destroyed, with at least one boat blown 200 feet
inland. Governor's Harbour
  hilltop Batelco roof blown off and generator out. Power restored at noon
by BEC. Heavy flooding in
  Governor's Harbour reported.
  Glass Window Bridge closed because of road damage on both sides of bridge.
  Roads closed between Tarpum Bay and Savanah Sound and at James Cistern in
Central Eleuthera.
  Prime Minister visited Wednesday.

  Abaco
  Sandy Point in the south end of Abaco suffered heavy flood damage with
three feet of water covering
  local grocery strore.
  Marsh Harbour heavily damaged with roofs off at National Marine, Albury's
Wholesale, Pizza Hut,
  Customs building. Docks on Front Street torn up and boats washed ashore 
Treasure Cay had many
  homes damaged.
  Hope Town suffered heavy damage in northern section. Elbow Cay cut in
half Moores Island heavily
  damaged.
  No loss of life in Abaco although two people have been reported missing.
Green Turtle Cay damaged
  but everyone accounted for.

5pm, Thursday, 16 Sept, 1999
  The Miami Herald in Florida is coordinating donations for victims of
Hurricane Floyd in The Bahamas.

  Donate money: Specify on check: Operation Helping Hands/The Bahamas and 
make check payable to
  one of these agencies: United Way of Miami Dade, Hurricane Floyd Relief 
Fund, PO Box 459007,
  Miami, 33245-9007: American Red Cross, International Response Fund, 335 
SW 27th Ave, Miami
  33135. To make credit card donations call 1-800-HELP-NOW.

  Donate supplies: drop off locations: all Tire Kingdom stores in
Miami-Dade and Broward; Miami
  Herald Lobby, 1 Herald Plaza (off 13th street and Biscayne Boulevard),
8am to 6pm weekdays; Apollo
  Ship Chandlers, 1775 NW 70th Ave, 9am to 5pm daily; Parrot Jungle and
Gardens, 11000 SW 57th
  Ave, 9:30am to 6pm weekdays; Vision to Victory Human Service Corp., 8400
NE Second Ave,
  9:30am to 5pm weekdays; WEDR radio, 3790 NW 167th St, 9am to 5:30pm
weekdays. Italian
  Seaways, 6113 NW 72nd Ave, 9am to 5pm weekdays; Gulfstream International
Airlines, 5926
  Ravenswood Rd, Fort Lauderdale, 9am to 5pm weekdays; Broward Motor
Sports, 4101 Davie Rd,
  Extension, 9am to 5pm weekdays; Ocean Fest, Commercial Boulevard at A1A,
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea,
  9am to 5pm. Friday through Sunday.

  24 hour hotline
  Miami-Dade: 305-377-6751
  Broward: 954-467-6333

  4pm, Thursday, 16 Sept, 1999
  Nassau
  Water and Sewerage Department and Public Works have sent assessment crews
to Out Islands most
  severely hit. The Dept. is experiencing water distribution problems in
two elevated service areas in New
  Providence: Fort Fincastle and Winton, and advises the public to boil
water that is intended for
  domestic consumption until further notice. These problems will hopefully
be resolved by tomorrow
  morning.

  The Bahamas Hurricane Floyd Relief Committee, Cabinet office advises that
the Minister of Finance has
  waived all customs and stamp tax on the importation of drinking water of
Family Islands seriously
  affected by Hurricane Floyd, that is: Abaco and Cays, Eleuthera, Harbour
Island, Spanish Well, Cat
  Island and San Salvador.

  The Minister of Finance will also give consideration to the waiver of
stamp and customs duty on the
  importation of approved relief materials consigned to affected Family
Islands. Items needed are:
  Potable drinking water, canned foods and juices, dry goods, construction
materials: plywood, shingles,
  roof felting, facia boards, roof nails, tacks, hurricane clips and wiring.

  Three vessels will leave Prince George Dock Berths 19 and 20 between 3pm
and 8pm this evening
  carrying supplies to Cat Island, Abaco and Eleuthera. All members of the
public wishing to make
  donations to the hurricane relief effort on any of those islands are
encouraged to have their donations to
  those docks at the above times.

  Cash donations may be made directly to The Bahamas National Disaster
Relief Fund at any branch of
  the Royal Bank of Canada.

  Abaco
  Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay airports are both open. Two teams of 30
defense force men have
  been dispatched to Abaco and Eleuthera to assist in the clean up effort.

  Grand Bahama
  Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is to visit Grand Bahama and Grand Cay,
Abaco on Saturday.

  Cat Island
  Power out throughout island. Telecommunications down. Prime Minister
Hubert Ingraham visited
  Wednesday. Heavy road damage and consideration is being given to
relocating main north-south
  highway. Airport is open.

  San Salvador.
  Badly hit with structural damage to its two major hotels, Riding Rock
Resort and Marina and Club
  Med. Power and communications systems are still down. San Salvador
airport is open. Prime Minister
  Hubert Ingraham is to visit island Friday.

  Grand Bahama
  Freeport International Airport was heavily flooded and remains closed
until at least the weekend.

  New Providence
  All major roads have been reopened. and Nassau International Airport is 
open. All major carriers have
  resumed flights.
  BEC is working round the clock and expects to have all power restored by
Saturday. All schools
  remain closed until Monday, Sept 20.
  All major hotels are open.
  Telecommunications remain out in some parts of New Providence because of
extensive damage to
  Batelco buildings on Poinciana Drive and at Delaporte.

Thursday, 16 Sept, 1999
  Email message for Eleuthera residents:
  I am trying to head off some Hurricane Relief from North America.  I got
some information on
  Caribbean Exports in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Please contact Reggie
(954)486-7033.   Lots of
  Home Owners of Eleuthera are prepared for massive Hurricane Relief
Distribution.
  Thanks,  Chris Major
  chris_major AT troweprice.com
  4103458623

  Agencies to contact
  British High Commission - (242) 357-9005/6
  US Embassy - (242) 322-1181
  Embassy of the Republic of Haiti - (242) 326-0325
  The Consulate General of The Gambia - (242) 362-5611
  Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China - (242) 327-5206
_______________________________________________
CONVERGENZ/Solutions
New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy
Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning
Public Relations - Corporate Communications
<www.convergenz.com>
10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602
T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E:  info AT convergenz.com
eFax:  (801) 912-7892



Bye from Reg and Kit.   Orillia, Ontario, Canada

Bahamas Site!!! Check it out...NEW!!!!!
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/2477/index.html
Drop by and sign our guestbook!!!! UPDATED SEPT 12TH-99  AT  8:01PM
Check out the 12 new websites....

Also Join our Bahamafriends Mail List......Lots of News!
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Bahamafriends
Just one click from your mouse!~!~!

To Post to Bahamasfriends...
Bahamasfriends AT onelist.com

regkit AT ican.net
regkit AT email.com
regkit AT geocities.com

ICQ # 1375312    Q-Talk Connection

• From: Bill Grant <billlaurie AT xtalwind.net>
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 17:37:21 -0400

• From: Bill Grant <billlaurie AT xtalwind.net>
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 17:32:52 -0400

• From: Outisland AT webtv.net (John Talbott)
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 15:17:11 -0500 (EST)

LOCATED HELIOS/FLOATS PILOTS                   VOLAR   Air           FT
LAUDERDALE EXCECUTIVE    1-954-776-2075  PLEASE PREPARE SOME PACKAGES IN
STURDY RUBBER BOXES  MY LOCATION INDIANA CAN  LAUDERDALE HELP  call  me
at 1-800-881-2147    John Talbott

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 17 Sep 1999 12:23:33 U

messages off other boards
--
Posted by: Russell Mack (web page)
Host:  cc906063-a.stcl1.mi.home.com
IP #:  24.2.209.12
E-mail: <web-mon AT bahamas-mon.com>
Date Posted: September 17, 1999 at 13:38:43
Subject: Harpour Island Report
Message:

>From the manager of South Bar on Harbour Island:
A late Thursday afternoon report yesterday seems to confirm earlier reports that 
storm damage was minimal at Harbour Island. A friend of Kevin Turnquest, who 
owns Sandpiper Air, visited Spanish Wells and Harbour Island yesterday and 
reported back to Roger Carlson the following:
--There were no injuries or fatalities at Harbour Island.
--The power is back on and Batelco hopes to have the telephones working again 
by this weekend.
--There was significant beach damage, and in places, there is a 40-foot 
drop-off to the beach.
--There is no ice on the island, but they do have water.
--There are a few trees down and vegetation on the ocean side is turning brown 
because of salt water drenching.
--Most of the damage occurred when the back of the storm passed over the 
island.
--The fig tree is completely gone.
--Contact was made with Winslo, but we don't have any firm information from 
him.
--Angus Peyton and his son may be going to Harbour Island on Monday, 9/20.

Many thanks to all of you who have been sending me info. More later.
Chris [Dirk's dad]
--
age:

>From an anonymous post at Bahamafriends:
Government schools in New Providence will re-open on Monday, September 19 
and are closed in the Family Islands until further notice.


Eleuthera is totally devastated. The whole island is without water, 
telephone and electricity. Much of the roads are destroyed and gone. Many 
parts of the island are covered with water. Buildings and property are 
totally destroyed. This island got a twelve hour battering. In Tarpum Bay 
many of the houses are destroyed and in Rock Sound, the customs building is 
gone. To put it simply, what occurred in Nassau is trivial compared to 
Eleuthera. In Windsor's Bite and Greencastle a graveyard was washed out. 
You can see skeletons and coffins floating. In North Eleuthera and Harbour 
Island, beaches are destroyed. The Famous Fig Tree in Harbour Island is no 
more - Gone. THERE WAS NO LOSS OF LIFE!


Driving today, there were many trees and power lines down. On the Western 
Esplanade a barge almost came on to the road. The wall to the road blocked 
it from being brought on the road by the winds of the hurricane.


Hurricane Floyd passed through the Bahamas with 85mph winds hitting Nassau 
yesterday. Currently, it is clear skies and the sun is coming out. Normal 
breeze is blowing. I am updating from my parents house in Nassau East. The 
electricity is on. Water is still off. The Water and Sewerage is working to 
get it back on. The debris through the streets of Nassau is present. A lot 
of trees have blocked major roads like Robinson Road, Collins Avenue, 
Eastern Road, Fox Hill Road and more. BEC and Ministry of Works crews are 
working feverishly to clearing the roads.


There is one unconfirmed death in Grand Bahama. Further, there are at least 
two persons missing in Abaco. It is alleged that Elbow Cay has been 
separated into two parts by Hurricane Floyd.


The Paradise Island Airport is permanently closed as of September 13. Owned 
by Sun International, a major development is planned for where the airport 
is situated.


Work resumes for everyone on Thursday. Most people are trying to get back 
to a state of normalcy.


Freeport International Airport is covered with up to 6 feet of water. Many 
vehicles there are destroyed. Queens Cove area in the northern subdivision 
are damaged by flooding. The Fishing Hole road is closed due to flooding 
and storm surge that took it over. In West End, there was serious flooding 
and a number of houses destroyed and downed power lines. Residents had to 
be evacuated to shelters. One Pole broke in half over a house causing 
sparks and a fire. There was island wide power outage for a considerable 
amount of time. Pelican Point, Sweetings Cay were cut off in terms of 
communication. No communication from Eastern end of the island to Freeport. 
Reports say eastern end is ok.


In the Delaporte area, there was 5 feet of water. To get to some of the 
houses, BASRA had to boat people from their condos to the land. The Go-Slow 
Bend is totally covered in water.


At least one man was arrested yesterday on Bay Street when he was caught 
stealing by police at a restaurant.


The Prime Minister left for San Salvador and the Deputy Prime Minister left 
for Abaco and Eleuthera to do inspections on the damages by Hurricane Floyd.


Kudos to Love 97FM inclusive of Wendell Jones and Darold Miller for their 
continuous coverage during Hurrricane Floyd. They kept the Bahamian people 
informed and brought a degree of comfort as we were lambasted by the 
effects of Floyd.


Weekly news will be updated daily with photos and stories regarding the 
state of things here in the Bahamas.
_______________________________________________
CONVERGENZ/Solutions
New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy
Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning
Public Relations - Corporate Communications
<www.convergenz.com>
10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602
T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com
eFax: (801) 912-7892








------------------------------------------------------------------------

• From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 15:04:50 -0400 (EDT)

Posted by Todd (encore AT texas.net) on the Plea for Help BB.

   Date: 09-17-99 14:57

   PLEASE - Help get the word out - I am relaying this from the Abaco Home Page: 

   GET YOUR SUPPLY DONATIONS OVER TO DC-3 NOW!!! Posted on 9/17/99  AT  12:21:24 by Kate, Brian Malone
   (Vernon's son) and Justin at oii.net 

   "Everyone that wants to donate, this is your chance. Missionary Flights Inter. (561) 686-2488 has
   room for 5000 pounds of cargo and wants to leave ABSOLUTELY FULL on Saturday - AND NO ONE IS
   BRINGING STUFF!!!! Flood them w/supplies! Alert the WPB media to cover this airlift and encourage
   residents to donate, because if they get MORE than 5000 pounds, they will make more than one
   trip! If you can't donate, go down there and help them load the stuff. Call about sending $$$
   cash donations to (561) 394-7951 this is a reputable group according to Brian Malone and it
   doesn't get any more official than that. Look at the "needs lists" on the board or contact me
   direct, email or phone (602) 277-0635 or Curt Darling Smith at (561) 745-7787. Dont wait another
   minute. Kate" 

   from Justin: "Mark items clearly, ie 'Hope Town Relief', 'Foxtown Relief', etc. Deliver to
   Missionary Flights International, (561) 686-2488, MSI Ramp, Hanger 11, 3800 Southern Blvd., Palm
   Beach. Specific requests are: Marine VHF antennas, coax cables w/connectors (PL-259), massive
   amounts of duct tape. Lets rock-n-roll and get it over there!" 

   "If donations are boxed, "clearly" write what is inside. IF POSSIBLE, pack them in HUGE 20 OR 30
   gallon rubbermaid type containers so supplies will not get ruined and so the boses can be reused
   for salvage efforts. Thanks for your generosity. Give til it hurts! Kate" 

   Now is the time for ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN POSTING OFFERS TO HELP - GET ON THE WAGON - GET THE
   BALL ROLLING - CALL EVERYONE, ANYONE, GET THOSE DONATIONS COMING IN - YOU ONLY HAVE "TODAY"!!!!
   Plane leave tomorrow! One DC-3 can carry more than all of the commuters combined! 


*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert AT vandijken.com )
**** The Caribbean Hurricane Page - http://gobeach.com/hurr.htm

• From: "KAREN LEGERE" <ABACO_BAHAMAS AT prodigy.net>
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 12:53:49 -0700

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 17 Sep 1999 06:51:10 U

The Web site listed below has some very good reports
leslie
> 
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 19:46:28 -0400
>From: "Gregory B. Carey, Ph.D; Indira Carey, Ph.D." <gandicarey AT erols.com>
>To: alan christensen <alan-christensen AT uiowa.edu>
>Subject: Re: Eleuthera
>
>    Just heard from Eleuthera via radio. They're getting supplies in now.
My
>Dad, Tim Bert Carey is still the only means of radio communications out of
>Eleuthera. We got info to some FL pilots and US relief workers who want to
fly
>in.
>    No loss of life. Severe roof and tree damage. Daddy says that some
people
>don't have a dry place to sleep in their houses. My friend Chris Major and
I are
>trying to coordinate shipping into Eleu. Lots of people want to donate
items.
>Housing main priority. Especially in towns like Governor's Harbour and
James
>Cistern (eye passed over). Destroyed roofs estimates range 50-80% for 2
towns
>respectively. Humanitarian disaster!
>    Thanks for compliments.
>
>I have 9/15 and early 9/16 update at
>    www.erols.com/gandicarey/index.htm
>will post most recent information before midnite.
>

• From: Outisland AT webtv.net (John Talbott)
• Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 06:13:51 -0500 (EST)

Dear Gert  Are these items still being sought immediatly we have been
preparig and we can make Broadcast 900 am from Radio Station special
report this AM   please respond A.SAP   thanks John

SAFE TRAVEL & DIVING 

• From: Sebastian Mottram <sebast AT grouper.batelnet.bs>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 15:02:50 -0500

Freeport International Airport
Flood water subsided. clean-up going well.
Runway open 7.00a.m-7.oop.m  Sight landings only. Pilots to radio
control tower on approach.
Immigration & customs: up & running (limited to incoming, no pre-immig.
to U.S.)

Anything else you want to know?

• From: D134385261 AT aol.com
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 21:37:43 EDT

have been trying to get in touch with club med officials to find out status 
of facility and staff. Club Med in Arizona announces that all guests 
evaucuated by yesterday. They stated that all G.O.s (staff) were being evac. 
to Paradise Island, but upon checking with Paradise Club Med. today we 
learned that plans may have changed.

They say there were no reported injuries at the San Salvadore Club Med 
village. CLub Med also reported roof damage and extensive road washouts.

Would appreciate contact from anyone about status of staff as we have not 
heard from our son, Sol Poyourow. I can be reached in California at 
805-682-9555 or email at Poyrow AT Hotmail.com
thanks,
Douglas Poyourow

• From: RUIZAMC AT aol.com
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 20:12:11 EDT

Gert,

Michelle Ruiz Borrow here.  Remember me... I know abacogirl personally i 
spoke to her mom already she knows cherly is alright. I left on a charter 
today with Bill & Anette Graville along with their daughter Leanne and Ann 
Heiniman (Sorry if I got your last name spelled wrong) of Man O War.  We left 
from Executive Airport and landed on a dry runway in Marsh Harbour , yes 
there was a little water at the Airport but, anybody who knows Marsh Harbour 
Airport knows that when we get a good rain during normal conditions we have a 
little back up.   Anyway we land start to unload are supples and Don a 
wonderful guy who works at the airport comes to assist us and we all greet 
with hugs and are you OK... he turns to me and say's are you here to pick up 
your husband Lynn?  I said yes,  Don responds he's been waiting for a flight 
out.  I was so relieved that I send my generator and supplies with the 
Gravilles off to Guana Cay and my Husband and Charles Sands of Guana Cay came 
back with me and a few tourist waiting to get off the island.  

Please post that My husband is coordinating a Guana Cay Relief.  We have no 
power and need Generators Badly!   Power and phones will be out for months.  
My husband will post a fact, by fact of Guana's condition (not under Water) 
as stated on some boards.  Lost foliage... Fig tree is standing strong (no 
Leaves) but, standing strong.   God did Bless Guana Cay and Every Single 
Person is safe and the Guana Grocery Store operated by Slyvon Bethel is open 
Nippers is in tact.... Yes a few houses did get damage but only a few.  Homes 
that belong to Vacationers mostly all the front street homes are fine... 
including the Clinic, Verna's House, Milo House, Milo's Store is fine.  Vince 
& Cheryl (Abaco Girl) house is fine.  
We just need Generators now.

Please call Mr. Lynn Borrow  on availability of new & used Generators 
operational Please!   For shipping to our Miami office

Gateway Outdoor Adv.
2650 West 84th Street
Hialeah, FL 33016
305-826-7447
Any donations to defray freight cost will be greatly appreciated.  We are 
fighting for Duty Free Status.  Commissioner Hart is assisting in this effort.

My home number for Guana Cay Relief : 305-868-0058

• From: " Paul and Deidre Davis" <pkdavis AT intrex.net>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 18:45:30 -0400

• From: "Day, Desiree S" <Desiree_Day AT AIMFUNDS.COM>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 15:35:45 -0500

Great Harbour Cay 
Message from Happy People's Store

My mom lives in Great Harbour Cay, but fortunately, was visiting me in the
US at the time of the hurricane. We were really concerned about the folks in
Great Harbour because it is so small and not far from Abaco. A homeowner
flew there yesterday to access damages. Amazingly, it was reported that one
would never guess that a storm recently passed through. Everyone is ok and
no structural damage--except for the marina which was partly damaged by a
large boat. The beautiful island is--as it was before. The Happy People's
store is back in business. The power, water and phone lines (which is the
case overtime it rains) are down.  We know of two other homeowners who are
flying in today. We will get further reports from them on Sunday.

I hope this message brings comfort to many of the homeowners located
throughout the world as there had previously been no reports from any source
about the condition of the people or the island.

Desiree

• From: "Me Richard Mongeau" <rmongeau AT mongeau-harvey.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 16:23:10 -0400

Hello there,

I just spoke to my brother who was able to catch an unexpected Bahamasair Flight that flew into Governor's Harbour this morning.  He said that most of the houses around Clud Med are o.k, but there is a lot of Beach erosion.  Your friends are all o.k. with the exception of Joshua Culmer who lost the roof from his house.

Power was restored to the Northern Part of Palmetto Point last night and gradually will move to other areas.  There has been a tremendous lost of trees in all areas and most houses have some part of roofs damaged with about five that were lost completely.

----------
From: Me Richard Mongeau <rmongeau AT mongeau-harvey.com>
To: jbethel AT cairnstone.com
Subject: [phorum]
Date: Thursday, September 16, 1999 8:26 AM

My name is Richard Mongeau,I own a house on Club Med beach in GHB.I am concerned for my friends'well being there.If you can get information about Joshua Culmer (my insurance agent)family, Edgar Gardiner family and Tommy Pinder family,both of GHB. I will really appreciate if you or someone you know can give me long expected news.Thanks for the information you posted on the siteCaribbean HurricanePage.

• From: Luther Trammel <LutherTr AT Attachmate.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 13:04:14 -0700

http://www.gopbi.com/PORTALS/storm/floyd-bahamas-photo.html
I found a good resource of picts from Eleurthera and other Bahamian locals
hit by Floyd. I am still looking for an update on Gregory Town 

• From: "Mr. Wendell H. Mortimer" <wendy AT grouper.batelnet.bs>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 18:06:15 -0400

• From: Douglas Goodfellow <goodlbr AT mbr.centra.ca>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 10:28:53 -0400

Satelite phone call 15 September PM from Goodfellow Farms Banks road
Governors Harbour reporting that house is ok and property need a big
clean up.Bedoin Sloop undamaged at Hatchet Bay.
--
Douglas Goodfellow,
9 Laurier Court,
Beaconsfield PQ
H9W 4S7
Phone: Home-514-630-6107
Work-450-635-6511
Cell-514-927-9750
Fax: 450-635-5078
E Mail goodlbr AT mbr.centra.ca

• From: "Leslie" <leslie AT mailserver.royfarms.com>
• Date: 16 Sep 1999 10:25:21 U

another report
leslie
_______________________________________________________________________________
From: R Elliott on Thu, Sep 16, 1999 10:00 AM
Subject: Fw: [Bahamafriends] Good Morning.....Bahama Friends...
To: Leslie
File(s): text.html



-----Original Message-----
From: Reg Metcalfe <regkit AT ican.net>
To: Bahamafriends AT onelist.com <Bahamafriends AT onelist.com>
Date: Thursday, September 16, 1999 5:03 AM
Subject: [Bahamafriends] Good Morning.....Bahama Friends...


>From South Eleuthera Ham Radio Station Operator C6ABA  AT  about 8pm 9/15/1999
Via Greg Carey, KN4EL, Silver Spring, MD all via 14Mhz Radio
-Talked with traffic controllers in 14.325, 14.262, 14.293 and
-Airports being reopened, initially for emergency traffic
-Two unconfirmed drowning deaths in Grand Bahama


General:
-US Air Force flew two falcon planes over islands to assess damage

-3 U.S. coast guard cutters on way to Abacos with relief supplies

-Still no word from San Salvador and Cat Island

-Coast Guard flew in three helicopters into Rock Sound to assess damage and
help with relief

-Bahamas National Radio persons in Eleuthera helping with communications

-Rock Sound Airport usable (refueling capability?)

-Governor's Harbour Airport?

-Roads between towns were blocked with sea water, sea-washed boulders and 
wind-blown trees. Some of these have been cleared, can travel although
treacherously from South Eleuthera to Governor's Harbour

-Water supply seems to be okay in South Eleuthera

-Well water not contaminated with seawater as in Abaco

-Electricity still off. Power station damaged. Generators soaked. Being
dried out before starting up again. When electricity re-established,
desalination plant at Hatchet Bay can run.

-South Eleuthera, no general water supply until electricity on.

-People with fresh water and power generators helping supply others with
drinking water

-Severe roof damage and oceanfront highways severely eroded

-Beaches washed out

-Phone service will be out for days as result of broken lines and flooding.

-NO DEATHS

-NO INJURIES

-Rock Sound and South, Not much known

Tarpum Bay:
-Secondary Roof damage from flying roof(s)
-Many missing shingles. Overall damage not severe
-major loss, C6ABA's 4 element Ham Radio beam and rotator destroyed by high
winds
-Flooding in town of T. Bay

Savannah Sound:
-Many missing roofs
-wind damage
-extensive tree and utility line damage

Palmetto Point
-1 missing roof?

Governor's Harbour
-Eye crossed here
-severe damage to Cupid's Cay
-Harbour okay
-Airport status unknown
-Main food and supply store there destroyed
-No injuries or deaths

No communication with towns North of Governor's Harbour.
James Cistern
Hatchet Bay (Site of desalination plant)
Gregory Town
The Bluff
Upper and Lower Bogues
Current Eleuthera and Current Island
Harbour Island
Spanish Wells

Overall Needs For Governor's Harbour, water,  food? desperately need
building supplies

Other Bahamas:
Abaco appears worst hit
Airport was under 6ft seawater until today
One Marina washed away
Boats grounded in people's back yards

Nassau:
-Extensive flooding
-Max winds around 90mph
-Extensive wind damage
-Most Phones back

Bahamas in dilema. Many private craft trying to airlift supplies to affected
areas. Bahamas Gov't turning them back because customs facilities
non-existent. Aware that unscrupulous smugglers would gladly use hurricane
situation to their advantage.

Will be talking with Bahamas again in morning or in evening. Will upload any
information later in day.


----Original Message Follows----
From: "Reg  Metcalfe" <regkit AT ican.net>
To: "Chris Major" <bahama_rock AT hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Bahamas...

Bye from Reg and Kit.   Orillia, Ontario, Canada

Bahamas Site!!! Check it out...NEW!!!!!
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/2477/index.html
Drop by and sign our guestbook!!!! UPDATED SEPT 12TH-99  AT  8:01PM
Check out the 12 new websites....

Also Join our Bahamafriends Mail List......Lots of News!
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Bahamafriends
Just one click from your mouse!~!~!

To Post to Bahamasfriends...
Bahamasfriends AT onelist.com

regkit AT ican.net
regkit AT email.com
regkit AT geocities.com

ICQ # 1375312    Q-Talk Connection

• From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 13:11:38 -0400 (EDT)

Someone forwarded me the following website with
info on Eleuthra:
	http://users.erols.com/gandicarey/floyd04_new.htm

*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert AT vandijken.com )
**** The Caribbean Hurricane Page - http://gobeach.com/hurr.htm
 

• From: Jgirljody AT aol.com
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 11:47:00 EDT

    My sister Dona Merritt and her friends in Key West talked to Lisbon who 
tallked
to the Yeocco Mico via satellite phone.  He says the creek flooded and that 
the Yeocco Mico "touched" the Anchor Snack Bar. He also says three fishing 
boats have gone down. The yeoci plans to return to Florida tomorrow. They 
report extensive water damage and some roof damage.
     If any one has any info on Spainish Wells and the people there, please 
post it on this page or contact me. We are out of or minds with worry. They 
report the phone tower heavily damaged.       Thanks, Jody Merritt   

• From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 11:38:45 -0400 (EDT)

Received via: Greg Carey, KN4EL
Date: 09-16-99 11:30



                        From Marty Cont'd 

                        Tom and Bruce at Marsh Habour Marina okay 

                        Boats in backyards, but damaged little 

                        Vernon's Grocery Store, Hope Town, Okay 

                        Abaco and Elbow Cay separated from each other by ocean. 

                        Green Turtle ferry okay (not running). 

                        Docks appear okay 

                        Man O War Cay: 
                        14 boats aground 
                        5 sunk 
                        barge aground 

                        Green Turtle/White Sound 
                        -Green Turtle Club heavily damaged 
                        -shingles off 

                        Black Sound 
                        -no roofs damaged 

                        Great Guana Cay 
                        -severe roof damage 
                        -phone and electrical lines still down 

                        Reported by Marty and C6AKC 


See also The Board for more tidbits of news.

*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert AT vandijken.com )
**** The Caribbean Hurricane Page - http://gobeach.com/hurr.htm
 

• From: "Michelle Newbold" <michelle AT iag.net>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 09:23:27 -0400

• From: Shirley Kelley <"skater AT penn.com" AT penn.com>
• Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 08:22:26 -0700

gert,
 i got info today that nippers at guana cay got thru and said that all
the people were ok....Havent heard tho from my kid cheryle abacogirl.I
will relax when i do
we are getting all the rain from floyd in altoona-johnstown area today 
thanks  shirley Kelley