Hurricane Dorian is the worst Atlantic storm in recorded history to ever hit land, and we are barely beginning to get a glimpse of the devastation it left behind. Abaco and Grand Bahama, two islands in the Northern Bahamas, found themselves directly in Dorian’s path and, with the storm sometimes moving slower than 1 mph, there is no doubt the situation in these communities is dire.
Making sandwiches in 10-12 foot seas is not easy – but the @WCKitchen is hard at work. Luckily seas calmed by the time I took this video. Should be in Freeport with relief for #hurricaneDorian survivors in a few hours. @MYGlobalshadow pic.twitter.com/sozuoZLxnr
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 5, 2019
On Tuesday, the World Central Kitchen Chef Relief team, including Chef José Andres, was able to briefly make it over to Abaco. Communications are down and airports remain underwater, making it nearly impossible to reach. WCK began bringing meals made 80 miles away in Nassau, while working on setting up their first kitchen in Abaco. WCK is committed to doing whatever it takes to get food to the people who need it most, whether that is by boat, plane, helicopter, or even an amphibious vehicle.
Reporting in after a long day on Abaco and visiting Green Turtle Cay, where all 550 people survived! We @WCKitchen brought hot meals and heard incredible stories….They need a few things, but otherwise are okay!! #ChefsForBahamas pic.twitter.com/sqrPmEbYmx
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) September 5, 2019
At this time, WCK is expecting that tens of thousands of people will be in need of meals each day. The Relief Team is working to open a kitchen in Abaco and then at least one kitchen in Grand Bahama to serve the many families who have lost everything.
UPDATE from Chef Karla (who helped lead our Puerto Rico efforts!) on the ground in The Bahamas. We’ve sent thousands of meals to Abaco today via helicopter and more on the way. We are also hoping to land and assess in Freeport today. #ChefsForBahamas pic.twitter.com/7biBz18pxa
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) September 4, 2019
While in Nassau as Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas, WCK had another team in Florida to activate should the need arise. After the storm’s trajectory has shifted north, WCK deployed an additional team to Wilmington, North Carolina, to prepare a kitchen there if needed.
Our @WCKitchen team in North Carolina sent these! First meals delivered in North Carolina to emergency responders in Colombia County! Honored to support once again… praying for minimal impact! #ChefsForCarolinas pic.twitter.com/jgX9jEaQZX
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) September 5, 2019