Hectic rescue underway as Bahamas death toll rises to 20

The US Coast Guard and Britain's Royal Navy airlifted survivors and ferried in emergency supplies Wednesday as the death toll from Hurricane Dorian's devastating rampage through the Bahamas rose to 20.

The United Nations said 70,000 people on Grand Bahama and Abaco island -- virtually the entire population -- were in "immediate need" of aid while the government confirmed the grim new victim count, which was expected to rise further.

"At this point we are starting to get a more vivid picture of the loss of life, at least in Abaco, and the loss of life in Grand Bahama," Health Minister Duane Sands said, quoted by local and US media.

"So, the toll has risen to just 20 persons... in Abaco and Grand Bahama thus far. But bear in mind that search and rescue exercises, exploration of homes that were flooded, is just now starting."
"I spoke to my dad on the night of the hurricane, on Sunday night, and his roof blew up," Smith told AFP. "I haven't spoken to him since then. I am really worried. I can't even eat." "The island is devastated," he added. "There is no power, no running water, no electricity."