The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness on the island by donating trunks of essential disaster relief supplies valued at fifty-six thousand, five hundred and nine dollars to various organizations and government agencies across Eleuthera. This generous donation, supported by a grant from Global Giving, aims to ensure that critical resources are readily available to support communities across Eleuthera as the region faces an active 2024 Hurricane Season.
The donated supplies include chainsaws, replacement chainsaw chains and oil, generators, first aid kits, rechargeable lights, radio sets, tarps, life jackets, water testing kits, rain suits, safety helmets and vests, moisture meters, hatchets, machetes, axes, first responder kits, hydration supplies and a wide selection of safety and emergency response equipment. Hurricane supplies have been distributed to key organizations across the island, including local government offices in South, Central, and North Eleuthera, as well as the Royal Bahamas Police Force (R.B.P.F.) Eleuthera Division, Health Association of Central Eleuthera (H.A.C.E.), Men of Faith, and South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (S.E.E.P.)
“One Eleuthera Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding communities across Eleuthera. Disaster preparedness is crucial in preserving lives and responding to urgent needs during and immediately following a hurricane. These essential supplies will empower our communities to respond expeditiously and provide immediate and localized assistance. Our mission is to empower local agencies to help mitigate the effects of disasters by fostering a culture of readiness and resilience,” explains Keyron Smith, President and CEO of One Eleuthera Foundation.
Representatives, including local officials, community leaders, and members of the recipient organizations, expressed their gratitude for the timely and much-needed support and the alignment of local organizations in taking a proactive approach to hurricane preparedness on Eleuthera.
The NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center is predicting above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year, forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms. Of those, 8 to 13 are forecasted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher). This is due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds, and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.
The Bahamas, including Eleuthera, is located in a region that is particularly susceptible to hurricanes. An active hurricane season could significantly impact the island with risks spanning severe wind damage, flooding, power outages, and economic disruption to our tourism-dependent economies.
The donation of disaster relief supplies by the One Eleuthera Foundation is a crucial measure to bolster the island’s preparedness and resilience against these potential threats. The foundation’s commitment to fostering resilience ensures that communities have the necessary tools to respond effectively during emergencies, minimizing the adverse effects and setbacks due to storm impacts and necessary recovery efforts.
For more information about One Eleuthera Foundation and its initiatives or to donate, please visit www.oneeleuthera.org
