Canada extended help and now may now need it
By Tania Arora, Staff Reporter
Lashing rains and category five winds have swept away the Bahamas as it is hit by Hurricane Dorian. Canada sent its support to aid the country as it starts to pick up the pieces. Now, it’s on its way to the Canadian Maritimes.
On September 4, Justin Trudeau spoke to Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas. According to the official government website, “The Prime Minister expressed his sympathies for the loss of life caused by Hurricane Dorian, particularly in the Abacos and Grand Bahama Island, and extended Canada’s support and solidarity for the people and communities devastated by the winds and flooding.”
The neighbouring countries have stepped in to help the Bahamas as the death toll is reportedly rising every minute. According to a recent Global News article, the death toll is reportedly at 43 and may grow after destruction to communities in the Bahamas.
The federal government of Canada said that it is providing military support to the affected areas. Reportedly, the Global Affairs Canada Canadian Armed Forces’ CC-130J Hercules aircraft was sent and enlisted to provide support with airlifting. In order to help the Jamaican Defense Force with their deployment, the Canadian government contributed a large propeller-driven cargo aircraft.
According to the official press release, “He [Justin Trudeau] reiterated Canada’s offer of $500,000 in initial humanitarian assistance and expert support and indicated that the Government of Canada will remain in close contact as needs assessments are developed.”
Canada holds strong ties with the government of the Bahamas and has made commitments in the past to work towards the climate situation. Along with the money, the federal government released Canadian Disaster Assistance Team into the areas of Nassau. The team was supposed to figure out the impact and in what ways can Canada provide its assistance.
Volunteers and rescuers were transported by aircraft helping with food and water. Thousands of people are potentially missing. Dorian has so far been the strongest of hurricanes to hit Bahamas. The hurricane was recorded to be moving towards the Atlantic Canada over the weekend.
On September 7, the city of Nova Scotia was also hit by Dorian. Hundreds of thousands were left facing severe power outage. The high winds and rains damaged the power lines. The deputy chief of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, Peter Andrews reports that there have been no records of death or injury in Nova Scotia up to now.
