'Hour of darkness' for Bahamas; 43 dead, with toll to rise

Search and rescue teams are still trying to reach some Bahamian communities isolated by floodwaters and debris after Hurricane Dorian, while the official death toll has risen to 43 and is likely to increase even more, top officials said.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said late Friday 35 were known dead on Abaco Island and eight in Grand Bahama.

"We acknowledge that there are many missing and that the number of deaths is expected to significantly increase," he said.

"This is one of the stark realities we are facing in this hour of darkness."
"We have been through this before, but not at this level of devastation," Dames said. "These are very serious times and very sensitive times."
"The government is trying their best, but at the same time, I don't think they're doing a good enough job to evacuate the people. It ain't livable for nobody. Only animals can live here."
Minnis said he was satisfied with the speed of the government's response and told the storm victims, "All I need you to do is just be patient and wait because everybody is coming."