No Chances: Abaco on Alert as Tropical Storm Imelda Approaches

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ABACO, BAHAMAS – As Tropical Storm Imelda edges closer to The Bahamas, officials in Abaco are warning residents to prepare for possible impacts and heed evacuation orders.

The order applies to residents of Grand Cay and those living in the RV Trailer Park near the government complex in Marsh Harbour.

Authorities have also activated the Central Abaco Primary School as an emergency shelter.

When we visited the trailer park today, I found that most residents had already evacuated, following warnings from local officials.

Family island administrator for Central Abaco and the Abaco Cays, Kenwood Cartwright says the Incident Command Center has been activated as part of emergency response efforts.

Kenwood Cartwright – Island Administator, Central Abaco and theCays

“We don’t want to take any chances and so, you know, we wanna put our best foot forward and make sure we’re well prepared, ahead of this storm,” Cartwright said.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are also stepping up readiness.

Chief Superintendent Michael Thurston, Officer in Charge of the Abaco Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, says officers have been deployed across the island.

“Those who would want to use this opportunity to commit crimes such as housebreaking, stealing during the storm in particular. We are gonna be up and about, and we definitely will be looking for those individuals who have ill intentions and to deal with them accordingly,” Thurston said.

Additionally, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is also on standby.

Acting Chief Petty Officer, Garnett Hall says they’re ready to assist with search and rescue efforts if needed.

“ We [also have] two jet skis available, we have three trucks available and then we have the manpower of nine in total, and we are ready to assist anyone in Abaco and also our counterparts,” he said.