Hurricane Dorian inflicted as much as $7 billion in property damage to the Bahamas when it struck the island chain with staggering 225-mph wind gusts, according to bean-counters.
The estimate, from Boston-based insurance adjusters Karen Clark & Co., which specializes in assessing damage from catastrophes, does not include infrastructure damage done by the monster storm — and comes as Bahamian officials are still trying to fully assess the loss in property and human life.
So far there are 20 confirmed deaths from the hurricane, but the death toll is expected to rise, particularly in the hardest-hit Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama Island.
“Abaco is no more,” said Kathryn Cartwright, who was trapped for five days on Abaco, which just a week earlier was “the most beautiful place you wanted to see.”
Treasure Cay, a resort town on the east coast of the Abacos, saw more than 90 percent of its buildings destroyed, Stephanie Hield, chairman of the township, told the Bahamian Tribune newspaper.
Abaco remains without power, fuel or a supply of drinking water, as rescuers continue to comb through the debris in search of more casualties.
Journalists reported seeing at least one body tangled under a tree branch next to twisted sheets of metal, with locals saying other bodies had been spotted.
Meanwhile, cruise lines that frequent the archipelago on luxury cruises have been among the public and private donors who have chipped in to help the Bahamas rebuild, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney have all pledged $1 million for relief efforts.
With Post wires
