NASSAU, Bahamas – Bahamas Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham said that as of late Thursday night, no major damage from Tropical Storm Hanna had been reported in the country, and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to protect residents and tourists.
“Hanna is just about off Nassau,” the Prime Minister said. “We have discontinued warnings for the Southeast Bahamas. No major damage has been reported so far.”
“The Bahamas has a high building code and barring any unforeseen catastrophic event, our preparations, our buildings and our ability to move people to safe locations should minimize any fatality in The Bahamas.”
At 8p.m, Tropical Storm warnings continued for the Central and Northwest Bahamas including Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, New Providence, Andros, The Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Exuma and its Cays, Long Island, Rum Cay and San
Salvador.
At 8p.m, the centre of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 26.0˚ degrees North and longitude 76.0˚ degrees West, or 75 miles east-southeast of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
Residents there experienced maximum sustained winds near 65 mph with higher gusts.
Prime Minister Ingraham said residents were prepared for any events Hanna would bring.
Regarding the evacuation of tourists should Hurricane Ike pose major threat to The Bahamas, Mr. Ingraham said he is satisfied that tourists would be safe.
“A good number of tourists are staying and we would provide all the safety they require,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
He expressed concern meantime that some residents might be putting off the necessary preparations.
“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been very active and people have been responsive so far, but that are always some who are last minute people.” Mr. Ingraham noted.
NEMA advised residents in Abaco to remain in shelters, as they would experience the impact of Hanna until about 9 a.m. Friday.
