The Bahamas to receive emergency hurricane relief aid

Irene caused particular damage in the Southeastern and Central Bahamas, the government said, though no injuries or deaths were reported. (Photo: sabotagetimes.com)

NASSAU, Bahamas, Monday September 26, 2011 – The Bahamas is to receive US$200,000 in emergency aid from the Inter-American Development Bank, to cope with the effects of Hurricane Irene, which affected the chain of islands last month.

The grant agreement, which facilitates this, has been signed by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hubert Ingraham, and President of the Inter-American Development Bank Luis Alberto Moreno.

A government statement said the funds will be used to provide food supplies, clothing, potable water, medicine and material for temporary shelter among other relief items to affected people in the islands of Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, Rum Cay, Acklins, Crooked Island and Mayaguna.

Irene caused particular damage in the Southeastern and Central Bahamas, the government said, though no injuries or deaths were reported.

Several communities were flooded and there was severe structural damage to many homes and government buildings including health clinics, schools, and police stations.

More than 1300 people were forced into shelters. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)