Dorian’s Hurricane Damage Cost $3.4 Billion for the Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas in September 2019, has caused billions of dollars in hurricane damage cost, says K. Peter Turnquest, the finance and deputy prime minister for the Bahamas. The government is likely to borrow about half a billion in the next few months as it attempts to deal with the damage left in the wake of the Category 5 hurricane, he said.

While Dorian made landfall in the U.S. as well, the worst of the damage was contained to the Bahamas. On top of the billions in damages and losses, the hurricane also took dozens of lives, caused major flooding across the country, and destroyed thousands of buildings.

The total hurricane damage cost was reportedly about $3.4 billion, or around a quarter of the Bahamas’ GDP.

“In pure dollar terms this is absolutely the worst possible outcome and worst loss that we’ve ever seen,” Turnquest told the Insurance Journal in a phone interview. “It is presenting a monumental challenge not only in terms of meeting reconstruction needs and costs but also for rebuilding in a way that is resilient and that will meet the anticipated frequency and severity that is being predicted as a result of this climate crisis.”

The rebuilding process from the storm is expected to take about three years, and the government is working to cut away at the country’s debt.

Part of the rebuilding process is intended to make the islands less vulnerable in the event of future storms. According to Turnquest, the government plans to invest in “resilient” infrastructure, the generation of renewable energy, disaster-resistant shelters, and a new payment system that will make residents less reliant on cash.

“We are looking to the international community not to turn away from this issue but to commit and invest and help us figure this out,” said Turnquest.

In the U.S., the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season led to billions in damage, rainfall records were set, and storms showed signs of climate change causing the damage left in their wake to be significantly worse, according to Scientific American.

After a natural disaster like Hurricane Dorian, it can be difficult to recover and rebuild. Dealing with insurance, including homeowners insurance, can be complicated and frustrating, especially while you’re just trying to put your life back together and restore your home or business, so consulting an attorney may be able to help you ensure that you are receiving the full compensation that you’re due. Even if you’ve already been compensated for some of the damages by your insurance company—or even if you’ve already cashed the check—you may be owed further compensation that can be claimed.

Dealing with insurance can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of the damage caused by a hurricane, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you make sure that you are fully and properly compensated for the hurricane damage cost.