Paul I Jukic  03/14/2008 09:58:18 AM  From  DB/Inbox:  Search Results

Cable 
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UNCLAS        NASSAU 01359

SIPDIS
CXNASSAU:
    ACTION: ECON
    INFO:   RSO CONS NAS AMB DCM POL

DISSEMINATION: ECON
CHARGE: PROG

APPROVED: CDA:DBHARDT
DRAFTED: ECON:MPOGORZELSKI
CLEARED: POL/ECON:DOCONNOR

VZCZCBHI062
RR RUEHC RUCPDOC RUCNCOM
DE RUEHBH #1359/01 3101813
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 061813Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4931
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NASSAU 001359 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO USAID 
 
E.O. 12958: B/A 
TAGS: SOCI AMER ECON BF
SUBJECT:  MAJOR BAHAMAS POPULATION CENTERS UNSCATHED BY TROPICAL 
STORM NOEL 
 
¶1.  Summary: While the worst of Tropical Storm Noel missed the major 
population centers of Nassau and Freeport, USAID- and Coast 
Guard-sponsored flights revealed substantial flooding on Long 
Island, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Acklins Islands and Exuma thirty-six 
hours after the storm had passed.  The Government of the Bahamas 
does not plan to issue a disaster declaration at this time.  Post 
coordination with Bahamian authorities went smoothly, as did Post 
preparations for the storm.  End Summary. 
 
Damage 
------ 
 
¶2.  A radio station employee who drowned in a pond was the only 
fatality from TS Noel in The Bahamas. Long Island (population 4000) 
experienced the highest level of rainfall, fifteen inches, and flood 
waters peaked at nine feet.  Thirty-six hours after the storm, 
standing water continues to cover the majority of the island but 
only minimal numbers of people remain in shelters.  Eleuthera, 
Abaco, Exuma, Cat Island and Acklins Islands also experienced 
flooding and damage from the storm.  Nassau (New Providence) 
experienced flooding in some areas and intermittent power outages. 
Freeport experienced only moderate weather conditions. 
 
Country Preparedness 
-------------------- 
 
¶3.  The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) opened a 
command center early that was staffed continuously.  Our USAID/OFDA 
risk management consultant (Beryl Ambrister) worked out of the NEMA 
command center to ensure close communication and coordination with 
GCOB authorities.  Inter-island preparations were initially hampered 
because many Island Administrators were in Nassau for a conference 
and unable to return to their districts. Shelters were opened across 
the country, but most Bahamians chose to stay at home.  One gas 
station in Nassau reported they sold 20,000 gallons of gas in one 
day.  During their own preparations, Embassy Officers found that 
local grocery stores had adequate supplies, and building supply 
centers had sandbags available just hours before the storm was due 
to hit.  Local schools closed for October 31 and November 1, as did 
local government offices.  On both days the streets were relatively 
empty of traffic. 
 
Embassy Preparedness 
-------------------- 
 
¶4.  The Embassy closed Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the 
storm.  The storm's slow movement led to relatively calm weather on 
Wednesday morning, allowing key officers and the OIG team to work in 
the morning.  Visa applicants were informed that they could come in 
Friday or the following week for their appointments.  The Embassy's 
PD section issued a press release with information Tuesday 
afternoon.  Post's Hurricane Action Committee (HAC) maintained 
contact with staff through phone, e-mail and radio updates. 
American citizens received warden messages.  Post's Mission Disaster 
Relief Officer worked with NEMA and USAID Costa Rica throughout the 
storm.  No USG-owned or -leased assets suffered serious damage. 
 
Assistance 
------------ 
¶5.  The GCOB does not plan to issue a disaster declaration at this 
time.  The Prime Minister requested assistance with reconnaissance 
flights, which both Coast Guard District 7 and USAID/OFDA were able 
to provide.  During the flights, the two agencies also evacuated two 
critically ill patients to Nassau for treatment.  The GCOB does not 
anticipate it will make requests for additional assistance.  Post is 
informally assisting the GCOB in locating an industrial sized 
sump-pump and crew to help clear water out of infrastructure centers 
in the Family Islands. 
 
Economic Impact 
--------------- 
 
¶6.  There are no estimates for property damage at this time but Long 
Island will be the most affected.  According to the Ministry of 
Tourism, nine scheduled cruises did not dock in Nassau, with an 
economic impact of approximately $1.05 million.  No major tourist 
facilities reported serious damage.  Nassau's Lynden Pindling 
International Airport closed Wednesday afternoon and reopened Friday 
morning.  Freeport (the other major port and airport) did not 
experience serious weather and the airport never closed.  Several 
smaller island airports continue to be under standing water or open 
for emergency landings only. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
¶7.  Thankfully, the major population center of Nassau was relatively 
unscathed by Tropical Storm Noel.  Nevertheless, the storm provided 
an opportunity for NEMA to mobilize its assets and stand-up its 
emergency operations center.  Post and NEMA had the opportunity to 
test their communications capabilities as well.  Overall, Post-NEMA 
cooperation went very smoothly.  Close cooperation with NEMA allowed 
Post to have the most up-to-date information about local conditions, 
which was important for both assistance coordination and keeping the 
Embassy community informed.  Post's radio network functioned 
effectively and sections maintained contact with their employees 
throughout the storm.  During and after the storm the Coast Guard 
provided much appreciated assistance to the GCOB. 
 
HARDT