A VIDEO DOCUMENTARY OF SURVIVORS OF HURRICANE JOAQUIN ON SAN SALVADOR ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Hurricane Joaquin developed in the North Atlantic Ocean on September 27, 2015 and rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm with peak sustained winds of 155 mph. On October 1 & 2, 2015, Joaquin struck the Central Bahamas archipelago with minimum central pressures of 931 millibars and was the second latest hurricane to impact the Bahamas since the beginning of historical records in 1851. Severe flooding and infrastructure damage was reported from a variety of islands, and in particular Long Island, the Acklins, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

Telecommunication and geoscience students from Ball State University produced a documentary on San Salvador during January 2016 that archived the hurricane experiences of several island residents, visitors, and aid workers. Included in those interviews was staff of the Gerace Research Centre, which served as a shelter for some island residents during part or the entire storm. Also included were conversations with a representative of the Red Cross, who described post-storm relief efforts and the distribution of food, clothing, and medicine donated from the international community.

A common theme among all interviews was that Hurricane Joaquin became a blessing in disguise on San Salvador. Despite the significant damage to homes and businesses, as well as an extended period without electricity or phones, many island residents feel like they have more food, better homes, and newer clothing than before the storm. Aid workers and others off-islanders assisting with reconstruction efforts also increased sales in local businesses. This student experience and the resulting documentary highlight the difficulties and risks of life on low-lying carbonate islands.