The Tribune

THERE were long lines at the Bahamas Red Cross yesterday with people seeking assistance and food in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

According to Deputy Director Diane Turnquest, the Red Cross could not accommodate everyone who sought assistance last Friday. They were told to return next week.

However, misinformation posted on social media caused around 200 people to show up to the site on Saturday, only for them to be turned away and told to return on Monday, she said.

Scores of people flooded the Red Cross yesterday, causing confusion. Police were called to help calm them.

“Friday there were people that did not get food because we ran out. They were told to come back Monday morning,” Ms Turnquest told the media yesterday.

“And then somebody posted on social media that we were open on Saturdays, so about 200 people showed up on Saturday.

“Those people were also told that no, we open again on Monday morning, but we would have to see the people that were left from Friday first.”

Ms Turnquest said many people have been requesting food items from the non-profit organisation, and officials have been working hard to keep up with demand.

This comes as the Red Cross received two cheque donations yesterday totalling $100,000. The donations came from the Atlantis resort and the Mid-American Conference.