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Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Friday, 6 September 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 September 2019 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 October 2019 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Bahamas: Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to support humanitarian relief efforts in the Bahamas responding to the effects of Hurricane Dorian.

Answer

DFID responded immediately to help those affected by hurricane Dorian through the deployment of a team of humanitarian experts to The Bahamas. Working alongside the Bahamas Government’s National Emergency Management Association, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and international partners, they helped assess the scale of needs, coordinate the emergency response and ensure aid quickly reached those affected.

Through the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Mounts Bay the UK were able to rapidly distribute emergency supplies, assist communities who were cut off, and clear debris to enable additional support to arrive. Mounts Bay has been in the Caribbean, loaded with relief supplies, since June to prepare for and provide life-saving emergency assistance in emergencies like Dorian.

The UK committed up to £1.5 million towards the immediate humanitarian response. Working closely with the Bahamian Government, this funding has enabled the delivery of critical aid supplies and helped coordinate the international response.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
287894
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Hurricanes and tornadoes Bahamas
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk