NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Ministry of Financial Services and Local Government has announced that an assessment team has been dispatched to survey and assess the flood-damaged areas of Harbour Island and Eleuthera, on Wednesday, May 6, 2015.

These areas were impacted during a severe thunderstorm system, which passed through the Exuma Cays, New Providence, Eleuthera, Berry Islands, Abaco and their adjacent waters on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

Approximately 6.7 inches of rain fell in Harbour Island and areas of North Eleuthera between 8pm to 4pm on Tuesday alone.

Due to reports of massive flooding which damaged several homes, a team has been dispatched to the impacted areas to assess the level of damage.

The team comprises the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA headed by Captain Stephen Russell; the Department of Social Services; the Ministry of Works and Urban Development; the Ministry of the Environment and Housing; the Department of Local Government and other agencies.

Meanwhile, the airport at North Eleuthera has closed temporarily, due to flooding, until further notice.

The team is being assisted in their assessment efforts by the United States Coast Guard, via helicopter. Initial assessment revealed that excessive flooding took place on Harbour Island, North Eleuthera and Abaco and the following damage occurred:

· Eleuthera - about 7 dwelling homes and contents were flooded. Families are being assisted by the Department of Social Services. In Upper Bogue, two homes are said to be under water.

· Further assessment is being conducted in Lower Bogue, The Bluff and Current settlements.

· Abaco – In Marsh Harbour, the drainage system functioned properly allowing for easy passage along the road.

· All is well in North and South Abaco.

Residents in the flood-impacted areas are being strongly advised to keep out of the standing water, as it may be contaminated due to overflowing septic tanks, as a result of the flood.