In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian hit the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable devastation. With wind gusts reaching a staggering 280 mph, 25-foot tidal surges, and tornadoes that ravaged Abaco’s communities, Dorian etched its name in history as the deadliest hurricane ever. Despite immediate relief efforts, the road to recovery for Abaco has been difficult and was further strained by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the island passes the four-year mark since this tragic event, the restoration of both the community’s spirit and infrastructure remains an ongoing endeavor that demands our attention.
Pictured above: Abaco in 2019, post Hurricane Dorian
Since the arrival of the Dorian, there have been numerous challenges in the country, the most pressing of which being the need for safe housing and infrastructure. Over 90% of Abaco’s infrastructure was destroyed by the hurricane, which has placed a significant strain on everyday life. Unsafe housing not only poses physical threats and health risks, but also takes a toll on the mental, emotional, and communal well-being of residents. The absence of a secure place to call home affects both children and parents, leaving parents burdened with feelings of inadequacy and children lacking comfort in their own homes. This struggle has created tension within the community and has further complicated the road to recovery.
Pictured above: (Left) A home in ruins from hurricane damage
(Right) Temporary tent housing in Abaco
Another critical issue in Abaco is food security. Prior to 2019, the Bahamas relied on imports for over 95% of its food supply. Due to the hurricane-prone nature of the area, the islands have limited availability of arable land, which deters farmers from establishing farms and developing Abaco’s agricultural sector. In an interview with Many Hands, Pastor Ryan Forbes, a leader in Abaco and overseer of five local churches shares,
“My hope for Abaco and for my nation is for us to be able to sustain ourselves on many different facets, especially when it comes to food security and food sustainability. We import more than 95% of the food we consume in the Bahamas, coming from different countries. So we are having challenges feeding ourselves, growing enough food, and being able to put food on our own tables.”
While Abaco is actively exploring innovative farming methods, it will take some time before the country can significantly reduce its dependence on imported goods.
Pictured above: (left) Trees stripped of their leaves from the hurricane. Hurricane damage makes for difficult farming conditions
(Right) Many Hands is partnered with Driftwood farms in Abaco to promote sustainable farming in Abaco
Tragically, the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian extends far beyond housing and food security. The educational sector has also suffered greatly, as school districts that were already struggling to recover from the hurricane are now facing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Countless children, as a result of both Dorian and the pandemic, have fallen through the gaps in Abaco’s education system and were forced to endure three years without access to proper schooling. As a result, there has become an influx of students who struggle with reading and lag significantly behind their peers on other islands.
Pictured above: Bahamian girls eat snacks and chatting
In his interview, Pastor Forbes comments on this educational crisis saying, “Another challenge is that parents are alarmed and anxious because their kids cannot continue to grow and develop educationally. Can I get them in schools, struggling with them, having to homeschool them, dealing with virtual education? I mean, there’s just a large number of challenges that were going on with COVID-19 after Hurricane Dorian.”
Ultimately, each of Abaco’s issues (unsafe housing, gaps in education, food insecurity, and other stressors) work together to create difficult living conditions for families. In fact, statistics of families in Abaco show that nearly 70% of homes are considered to be broken homes, with 90% of them being led by single mothers. Without a father figure as a source of stability and guidance, children in Abaco are more likely to suffer from academic and behavioral issues and families struggle to obtain basic necessities such as food and shelter.
Pictured above: A Bahamian mother smiles with her baby
Despite the seemingly impossible challenges, there is hope for Abaco. Many Hands for Abaco is committed to tackling the obstacles in Abaco by collaborating with local leaders, churches, schools, and families to inspire change and sustainably empower communities. Our comprehensive programs encompass various problem areas for Abaco, including agriculture, education, feeding initiatives, and leadership development. Through these collective efforts, we strive to make a positive and enduring impact on the community.
Pictured above: Students reading books at the library founded by Many Hands for Abaco. Previously, the school did not have a library
“There’s been so many challenges that we need assistance with and that we need aid with and support…the amount of needs that we have and the amount of initiatives that Many Hands have been talking about, I mean, it’s like Jesus coming down to earth and bringing these programs himself,” exclaims Pastor Ryan Forbes.
Pictured above: Sam Berg, Director of Ministry and Benevolence, leads young men in a Bible study
My second trip there in a few weeks with crisis relief. I’ve met pastor Sam
Love him and his family and there work
Continued prayers.