The Lasting Impacts and Lessons Learned from a Category 5 Catastrophe
Five years after Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas, the islands continue their arduous journey of rebuilding and recovery. The Category 5 storm, which made landfall on September 1, 2019, left an indelible mark on the nation, exposing the vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS) in the face of intensifying climate-related disasters.
As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began, Shervante Nixon, a survivor from the hard-hit Abacos, expressed a mix of emotions – anxiety being the dominant feeling. “Once the rain starts and that breeze picks up too much, it brings back all those memories and has you instantly on alert and thinking to yourself, ‘Ok, let me prepare myself mentally and be on guard,'” she shared.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that the 2024 season would see 17-25 named storms, with 8-13 developing into hurricanes and 4-7 reaching Category 3 or higher. For Nixon and others who lived through Dorian’s wrath, the looming threat of another catastrophic event has left an indelible mark on their psyche.
Unprecedented Destruction and Harrowing Accounts
Hurricane Dorian’s rapid intensification and devastating impact on the Bahamas were alarming. By the time it reached the islands, Dorian had achieved maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, with gusts exceeding 220 mph. The hurricane lingered over Abaco and Grand Bahama for more than 24 hours, causing widespread devastation.
Nixon recounted the harrowing experience, “We had never experienced anything like that before; we didn’t know if to run or to stay put. Even with us trying to run, it was impossible. The water was just so high. We couldn’t drive out, swim out. I know we were able to survive because we decided to stay. Had we actually moved, we would not have made it.”
As Nixon and her family tried to escape the following day, they encountered a grim scene. “We saw cars still underwater, bodies floating by and we were beginning to get a sense of what actually happened,” she said. “I had to make sure my son’s eyes stayed closed. I didn’t want him to see any of that. I didn’t want any of that to be a memory for him. I saw it, though. There was no rescue for us in the south.”
The destruction across the Bahamas was unprecedented, with Abaco and Grand Bahama suffering the brunt of the damage. The estimated total cost amounted to $2.5 billion, with the majority being private losses. Homes were flattened, infrastructure destroyed, and entire communities displaced.
Unequal Distribution of Aid and Systemic Vulnerabilities
In the aftermath of the storm, Nixon expressed frustration with the unequal distribution of aid. “There were a lot of people who did not suffer in the storm, that did come from Abaco or had been living in Nassau for a while, and they used that as an opportunity to gain certain things that were being given out in Nassau. You had people getting benefits, and they had not experienced Dorian at all.”
The hurricane also highlighted systemic issues that exacerbated its impact. Inadequate infrastructure, insufficient emergency preparedness, and limited access to resources left many communities more vulnerable to the storm’s effects. Vulnerable populations, including low-income families and minority groups, were disproportionately impacted, compounding pre-existing socio-economic challenges.
Climate risk management consultant Kelli Armstrong emphasized the importance of building resilience through proper infrastructure and construction practices. “Let’s be real, Dorian was a superstorm, but in a lot of places where infrastructure suffered a lot of damage and loss, those structures were not up to code, and so it’s put a heightened awareness on the need for us to appreciate the importance of getting our homes constructed right, using the proper materials, being properly designed, being properly inspected.”
Rebuilding with Resilience and Equity
As the immediate relief efforts transitioned into long-term recovery, the focus shifted to rebuilding with resilience and equity. The Bahamian government, in collaboration with international partners, outlined a comprehensive plan for reconstruction, emphasizing the restoration of infrastructure, the normalization of productive activities, and the incorporation of climate resilience.
Iram Lewis, a former Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction, acknowledged the challenges in the rebuilding process. “Rebuilding is a process. It’s very draining trying to get stability. It’s extremely difficult doing a trade because other people don’t have any money to spend on your services. But as the jobs are coming back, the local economy is beginning to be replenished.”
The government has also revamped its disaster management strategy, upgrading early warning systems, implementing comprehensive community training programs, and enhancing infrastructure to withstand future Category 5 hurricanes. Coastal defenses have been strengthened through mangrove restoration and seawall improvements to protect against storm surges and flooding.
However, significant challenges persist, and the recovery process is expected to take years, requiring substantial financial support. As the Bahamian government and local activists advocate for climate justice, the islands strive to rebuild with resilience, sustainability, and equity at the forefront.
Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
Hurricane Dorian’s devastating impact on the Bahamas served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of small island nations to the intensifying effects of climate change. The immediate response highlighted the heroism of emergency responders and the resilience of affected communities, but the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations and the systemic issues exposed by the storm underscored the need for a climate justice approach in disaster response and recovery.
As the country continues its rebuilding efforts, the focus on equity and resilience will be crucial in ensuring that all communities can withstand and recover from future climate-related disasters. Iram Lewis summed up the lessons learned: “We ride storms out and we rebuild. Unfortunately, that’s the that’s the position that we end up being in the hurricane corridor. Dorian, it taught us some lessons that you can never be too careful, you can never prepare too much, and always expect the unexpected.”
The Bahamas’ journey of recovery and resilience serves as a poignant example for SIDS and other vulnerable regions facing the escalating impacts of climate change. By addressing systemic vulnerabilities, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and advocating for climate justice, the islands are paving the way for a more resilient and equitable future.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Solidarity and Action
The lasting impacts of Hurricane Dorian on the Bahamas highlight the urgent need for global action and solidarity in the face of the climate crisis. As small island nations bear the brunt of these intensifying disasters, the international community must step up to support their recovery efforts and empower them to build back better.
Through the IT Fix blog, we aim to provide practical insights and solutions that can help communities worldwide become more resilient in the face of technological and environmental challenges. By sharing the lessons learned from the Bahamas’ experience, we hope to inspire IT professionals, policymakers, and global citizens to collaborate in addressing the systemic issues that exacerbate the impacts of climate-related disasters.
Together, we can work towards a future where all communities, regardless of their size or location, have the resources and support they need to withstand and recover from the growing threats posed by a changing climate. It is only through collective action and a commitment to climate justice that we can build a more resilient and equitable world.
