Premier: Concern For Those In Path Of Hurricane

October 2, 2016

As Hurricane Matthew — a Category 4 hurricane carrying 145 mph [230 km/h] winds — approaches the Caribbean, Premier Michael Dunkley said “our thoughts are with those in Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and Cuba, adding that Bermuda “is prepared to provide assistance if necessary.”

Hurricane Warnings are currently in effect for Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, “The center of Matthew will approach southwestern Haiti and Jamaica on Monday.

“Maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph [230 km/h] with higher gusts. Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

CNN reports, “A direct hit on Haiti could be disastrous, with much of the country’s infrastructure still weak after the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people. Haiti is also recovering from a cholera outbreak following the quake that killed another 10,000.

“The US is moving 700 employees and their families from its naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Sunday. Military planes were to airlift people from the base to cities in Florida. In Jamaica, storm shelters opened as the nation braced for its first major hurricane since Gilbert in 1988.”

Premier Michael Dunkley said, ‎”On behalf of the Government, I wish to express my care and concern for those who are in the path of this very dangerous hurricane. Bermuda certainly has endured its share of serious storms, and can appreciate the concern and anxiety that comes with preparing for and riding out a hurricane.

“Our thoughts are with those in Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Cuba; please be safe. Be assured that Bermuda is certainly monitoring Hurricane Matthew and is prepared to provide assistance if necessary,” added the Premier.

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