Abaco Damage Significant
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Posted by Steve Rutledge on September 15, 1999 at 07:57:14:
I talked with Earl Russell this morning via his son, Randy, who talking to him on the radio. Major damage in the Abacos. Earl said Elbow Cay is now TWO separate islands. Marsh Harbour has suffered significant damage with large buildings down. BASRA (Bahamas Air Sea Rescue) is starting to search the wreckage as we speak. No word on casualities, injuries, etc. at this time. I am trying to to relay to anyone down there to get the runways at Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay cleared so rescue/relief can get in. I am being flooded with email at this point. I know you are scared (like me) about your friends/relatives. Right now, amateur radio channels are reserved for EMERGENCY traffic. Soon, when we can get organized we will start what is called a "health/welfare" traffic system. This will pass info about specific people, etc. We need to get an amateur radio operator and a station down there. I don't know when that is going to happen. Right now, we need to think about medical attention first, medical supplies, food/water, shelter in that order. The most important thing is for everyone to keep a cool head, wait until you are asked for assistance (whatever that might be) and let this rescue/relief effort get organized. I promise you that I will post whatever info I can get my hands on when I get it. Thanks for your support. This is FAR from being over with. I think the hard part is about to begin. Steve Rutledge
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