The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS have confirmed that 35 homes were completely destroyed in North Andros by Hurricane Matthew, with 40 residences sustaining major damage, and 100 more receiving minor damage.

Critical supplies were expected to arrive in North Andros yesterday as restoration crews continue efforts to bring utilities back online in one of the hardest-hit districts from the storm.

Supplies were onboard HMBS Lawrence Major, which left the capital on Tuesday with 40 hygiene kits, 36 two-burner stoves, and four generators. The vessel was slated to arrive in Lowe Sound on Wednesday, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.

The items were donated by the United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA).

As for water supply, partial restoration has been achieved to the system servicing Nicholls Town and Lowe Sound. Water for communities is also available at the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s main pumping station site. The category four storm inflicted significant damage and flooding in pumping stations serving Nicholls Town, Conch Sound and Lowe Sound.

Restoration crews were deployed on October 7, 8 and 9 to assist in North and Central Andros along with needed equipment and other supplies, NEMA said.

The systems in Red Bays and Mastic Point have been commissioned, according to officials, but are on intermittent supply.

Disruptions to electricity in Central Andros have impacted water supply; however, NEMA noted that portable gensets (generators) were deployed so that restoration crews can provide temporary relief.

Crews have also cleared and re-commissioned well fields in Bowen Sound, Cargill Creek, Staniard Creek and Stafford Creek, according to NEMA, adding that the facilities were being run intermittently with portable gensets.