MAJOR BAHAMAS POPULATION CENTERS UNSCATHED BY TROPICAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NASSAU 001359

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO USAID

E.O. 12958: B/A
TAGS: SOCI AMER ECON BF
SUBJECT: MAJOR BAHAMAS POPULATION CENTERS UNSCATHED BY TROPICAL
STORM NOEL


1. Summary: While the worst of Tropical Storm Noel missed the major
population centers of Nassau and Freeport, USAID- and Coast
Guard-sponsored flights revealed substantial flooding on Long
Island, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Acklins Islands and Exuma thirty-six
hours after the storm had passed. The Government of the Bahamas
does not plan to issue a disaster declaration at this time. Post
coordination with Bahamian authorities went smoothly, as did Post
preparations for the storm. End Summary.

Damage
--------------


2. A radio station employee who drowned in a pond was the only
fatality from TS Noel in The Bahamas. Long Island (population 4000)
experienced the highest level of rainfall, fifteen inches, and flood
waters peaked at nine feet. Thirty-six hours after the storm,
standing water continues to cover the majority of the island but
only minimal numbers of people remain in shelters. Eleuthera,
Abaco, Exuma, Cat Island and Acklins Islands also experienced
flooding and damage from the storm. Nassau (New Providence)
experienced flooding in some areas and intermittent power outages.
Freeport experienced only moderate weather conditions.

Country Preparedness
--------------


3. The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) opened a
command center early that was staffed continuously. Our USAID/OFDA
risk management consultant (Beryl Ambrister) worked out of the NEMA
command center to ensure close communication and coordination with
GCOB authorities. Inter-island preparations were initially hampered
because many Island Administrators were in Nassau for a conference
and unable to return to their districts. Shelters were opened across
the country, but most Bahamians chose to stay at home. One gas
station in Nassau reported they sold 20,000 gallons of gas in one
day. During their own preparations, Embassy Officers found that
local grocery stores had adequate supplies, and building supply
centers had sandbags available just hours before the storm was due
to hit. Local schools closed for October 31 and November 1, as did
local government offices. On both days the streets were relatively
empty of traffic.

Embassy Preparedness
--------------


4. The Embassy closed Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the
storm. The storm's slow movement led to relatively calm weather on
Wednesday morning, allowing key officers and the OIG team to work in
the morning. Visa applicants were informed that they could come in
Friday or the following week for their appointments. The Embassy's
PD section issued a press release with information Tuesday
afternoon. Post's Hurricane Action Committee (HAC) maintained
contact with staff through phone, e-mail and radio updates.
American citizens received warden messages. Post's Mission Disaster
Relief Officer worked with NEMA and USAID Costa Rica throughout the
storm. No USG-owned or -leased assets suffered serious damage.

Assistance
--------------

5. The GCOB does not plan to issue a disaster declaration at this
time. The Prime Minister requested assistance with reconnaissance
flights, which both Coast Guard District 7 and USAID/OFDA were able
to provide. During the flights, the two agencies also evacuated two
critically ill patients to Nassau for treatment. The GCOB does not
anticipate it will make requests for additional assistance. Post is
informally assisting the GCOB in locating an industrial sized
sump-pump and crew to help clear water out of infrastructure centers
in the Family Islands.

Economic Impact
--------------


6. There are no estimates for property damage at this time but Long
Island will be the most affected. According to the Ministry of
Tourism, nine scheduled cruises did not dock in Nassau, with an
economic impact of approximately $1.05 million. No major tourist
facilities reported serious damage. Nassau's Lynden Pindling
International Airport closed Wednesday afternoon and reopened Friday
morning. Freeport (the other major port and airport) did not
experience serious weather and the airport never closed. Several
smaller island airports continue to be under standing water or open
for emergency landings only.

Comment
--------------


7. Thankfully, the major population center of Nassau was relatively
unscathed by Tropical Storm Noel. Nevertheless, the storm provided
an opportunity for NEMA to mobilize its assets and stand-up its
emergency operations center. Post and NEMA had the opportunity to
test their communications capabilities as well. Overall, Post-NEMA
cooperation went very smoothly. Close cooperation with NEMA allowed
Post to have the most up-to-date information about local conditions,
which was important for both assistance coordination and keeping the
Embassy community informed. Post's radio network functioned
effectively and sections maintained contact with their employees
throughout the storm. During and after the storm the Coast Guard
provided much appreciated assistance to the GCOB.

HARDT