IDB: Dorian housing sector damage estimated at $1.48 billion

IDB: Dorian housing sector damage estimated at $1.48 billion
A neighborhood in Abaco post Hurricane Dorian

Health sector losses on Abaco and Grand Bahama estimated $37.7 million

NASSAU,BAHAMAS- Hurricane Dorian’s damage to the housing sector on Abaco and Grand Bahama has been pegged at an estimated $1.48 billion, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report has found.
In its report, “Assessment of the Effects and Impacts of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas”, the IDB found the housing sector was the most severely affected by Hurricane Dorian.
“Several residential settlements along or near the coastline suffered heavy damage as a result of the intense force of winds and storm surge or was impacted by falling trees and flying debris. Houses and residences suffered significant damage to the structural elements, roofs, flood damage, and other components of the buildings.”
The report added: “Approximately 9,000 homes and in excess of 11 million square feet of structures have sustained some damage on the two islands. On Abaco more than 75 percent of the dwellings were somehow affected, approximately 57 percent of the houses were severely damaged. Central Abaco (Marsh Harbour), Treasure Cay, and Hope Town were the most affected locations.
“Vulnerable settlements in Marsh Harbour were also destroyed. Damage to the housing sector on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama is estimated at $1.48 billion, 88.9 percent of which took place on Abaco.”
The report noted losses in the housing sector were attributed to the interruption of accommodation and rental services due to severe damage or destruction of the house, making it temporarily or permanently uninhabitable.
“The assessment team estimated losses at $56.8 million resulting from 2,894 homes left uninhabitable after the hurricane,” the report read.
“Additional costs included in this assessment are refer to the cost of demolition of the most affected dwellings, debris cleaning, and labor and equipment rental cost. Additional costs are estimated at $45.9 million. “
The report added: ” In total, 31 public buildings (excluding schools, hospitals/clinics and shelters that were assessed in other sectors) and government offices were affected. Damage to the public building sector is estimated at $10.6 million. Additional costs to demolition and debris removal in public buildings are estimated at $1.0 million. There was no losses related to public buildings.”
The IDB report also noted that hurricane severely affected the infrastructure, equipment, medical supplies as well as electrical and water supply on Abaco and Grand Bahama, hampering the healthcare delivery system on Abaco and Grand Bahama.
“Hurricane Dorian damaged most of the healthcare facilities in both affected islands, with severe damage to the Rand Memorial Hospital (RMH) and four clinics located in the eastern part of Grand Bahama,” the report read.
“Additionally, significant damage was also evidenced in medical equipment, furniture, and vehicles from extensive and prolonged flooding, very high humidity and high temperatures during and after the storm. The estimated damage in infrastructure, medical equipment, furniture, supplies and others to the health sector on Abaco and Grand Bahamas attributable to hurricane Dorian has been estimated in $37.7 million,” the report stated.
It added: “A total of $21.4 million is the estimated cost of health services operations disruption. The disruption covers three time periods: before, during and after the hurricane. Additional costs are related to the emergency response and provision of temporary relief and are estimated as $5.3 million.”