National

Exuma Residents Grapple With Severe Flooding

EXUMA, BAHAMAS – Two Exuma residents telling the tale of torrential rainfall over the weekend that resulted in one having to swim to safety; this as the prime minister led a delegation to the island to assess the damage.

Published

11 months ago

June 12, 2023

Berthony McDermott

Kevica Kelly-Griffin was one of hundreds of Exuma residents faced with heavy rainfall and severe flooding over the last five days.

Prime Minister Philip Davis led a delegation where they got a first-hand look at the impact of the wild weather. He says it’s a clear sign of the devastating impact of climate change.

Exuma wasn’t the only island impacted. Cat Island also experienced heavy rainfall over the weekend.

The prime minister says a vulnerability study was recently done for each island, adding the shortfalls are being addressed but he says it comes at a cost.

On the island Monday there were scores of water-damaged cars and many properties were still underwater. The silver lining? There have been no reported deaths.

Some roads remained impassable due to the flooding and some residents are still stuck in their homes.

With the hurricane season in full swing, Davis says he’s concerned about the possibility of what’s to come.