Utility repairs ongoing in The Current on Friday
Utility repairs ongoing in The Current on Friday

(Eleuthera, Bahamas ) Residents on Friday across Central and North Eleuthera when asked, expressed a sense of thankfulness that in their opinions the island had been spared the fury of severe Hurricane Matthew. Except for the odd downed tree, a few downed lines and battened windows, things looked fairly normal in the resurgent sunlight, two days after the storm forced everyone indoors.

Its’ northwest track taken in the Bahamas, took the storm’s center over Andros and very close to New Providence, before heading up to Grand Bahama. There have been reports of severe flooding and damage in some parts of those islands as a result of the passing storm and recovery efforts are ongoing.

Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) in Eleuthera, has been working diligently at restoring electricity since the passage of hurricane Matthew, and Manager on the island, Robert Hall, said that complete restoration should happen by Saturday.

Airports remained closed on Friday. According to Superintendent of Airports, Mr. Tony McPhee, there has been no significant damage to airports on Eleuthera as a result of the hurricane. All three, he said, would likely re-open on Saturday, October 8th, 2016, in coordination with the reopening of the LPIA international airport in New Providence, the hub for air traffic into the family islands.

Water has settled in low lying areas, which is receding in the day’s sun. In the coastal town of Current where flooding as high as 2 feet had happened, reports on Friday were that flooding on the main road between The Current and Lower Bogue was receding, however water settled along the coastal road along Oceanview was still present, and would likely go down more slowly. Residents also confirmed that BPL vehicles were in the area, clearing trees from wires, and working on the lines to restore power.

Houses across the island, North, Central and South, were battened down, primarily with plywood shutters in preparation for the storm and with some forecast charts showing the storm circling back to The Bahamas they have not been quick to come down.

The photos below show some of the minor effects of Matthew seen in townships and other scenes on Friday, October 7th, 2016. 

Minor wash up from the sea in James' Cistern.
Minor wash up from the sea in James’ Cistern.
Downed line at the entrance of Hatchet Bay township
Downed line at the entrance of Hatchet Bay township
Seaweed washed up on the foreshore in Governor's Harbour
Seaweed washed up on the foreshore in Governor’s Harbour
Banana trees fallen in a low-lying area with minor flooding
Banana trees fallen in a low-lying area with minor flooding in Lower Bogue
All battened up at ELH airport
All battened up at ELH airport in North Eleuthera. It is scheduled to be opened for business as usual on Saturday, October 8th, 2016
Minor flooding on the tarmac
Minor flooding on the tarmac
Tree fallen across the road in The Bluff.
Tree fallen across the road in The Bluff.
Seas on the typically calm side of the bridge still roiling after the passage of Matthew
Seas on the typically calm side of the bridge still roiling after the passage of Matthew

 

Utility workers were out restoring electricity, telephone, and water service across the island.
Utility workers were out restoring electricity, telephone, and water service across the island.
Rough seas washed up sea debris in the harbour of Gregory Town.
Rough seas washed up sea debris in the harbour of Gregory Town.
Rough seas washed up sea debris in the harbour of Gregory Town.
Rough seas washed up sea debris in the harbour of Gregory Town.
Utility workers were out restoring electricity, telephone, and water service across the island.
Utility workers were out restoring electricity, telephone, and water service across the island.