Economic and Social Impacts of Hurricane Dorian Economic Impact
Dorian caused about US$3.4 billion in damages, which is equal to one-quarter of the gross national product (total value of all finished goods and services produced by a country‘s citizens in a given financial year) of the Bahamas.
The main airport in Grand Bahama was destroyed. Roads were littered with debris and fallen trees, and fuel supplies were limited.
Hurricane Dorian affected about 2,500 small- and medium- sized businesses in the Bahamas. All businesses on the hardest-hit east side of the island were forced to close.
Emergency Response to Hurricane Dorian
Governments and aid agencies, such as Mercy Corps and World Vision, provided short- and long-term help in the countries affected by the hurricane. Examples of short-term aid
Examples of long-term aid
Emergency shelter provided for those who lost their homes
Food and medical supplies provided to thousands of families across the affected countries
Water purifiers provided to ensure clean water
Seed distribution to grow crops and agricultural support for farmers who lost their livelihoods
Rebuilding of roads and buildings such as hospitals and schools
Provision of counselling to help people cope with their losses
A Mercy Corps volunteer delivers potable (drinkable) water to communities on Grand Bahama Island, January 2020
Social Impact
The death toll stands at 74 people, although 245 people were still missing a year later.
Some 29,500 people were left homeless and/or jobless.
The added crisis of Covid-19 and another hurricane season in 2020 severely hindered recovery efforts.