HURRICANE JOAQUIN AND THE GERACE RESEARCH CENTRE, SAN SALVADOR, THE BAHAMAS: PREPARATIONS AND RECOVERY

Forming in the late September 2015, Hurricane Joaquin passed through the central and southeastern Bahamas during the first three days of October as a Category 4 storm. Joaquin formed quickly and in a somewhat unusual location (extra tropical, just northeast of San Salvador Island, The Bahamas), making it difficult for models to accurately predict its path and ultimate intensity.

The Gerace Research Centre (GRC) generally begins basic hurricane preparations in August as our “closed” season begins, with more specific preparations beginning as storms are forecast to near San Salvador. Hurricane Joaquin proved to be tricky for forecasters and despite uncertainty as to what might happen, the GRC began to prepare in earnest on Wednesday September 30. By mid-day on October 1, the GRC’s preparations were relatively complete, with last minute tasks and further preparations continuing to occur. The GRC serves as a storm shelter for residents of San Salvador’s north side. During the peak of the storm between 120-150 persons sought refuge at the GRC, with many arriving during the eye of the storm (approximately 5 pm on October 2). The uncertainty of the storm’s potential path combined with poor communication from the Bahamian government caused many residents to underestimate the potential intensity of the storm and they had attempted to weather it in their own residences (similar to practices during a Tropical Storm or a Category 1 Hurricane).

Hurricane Joaquin left a great deal of damage and destruction on San Salvador and at the GRC. October 3 was spent making necessary emergency repairs (water system, debris removal) and getting generators online at the GRC. After that, specific work was done toward repairing the facility to the point that it could host researchers and students as soon as possible (although it would prove to be several weeks before power was restored). Additionally, aid began to arrive on the island and the GRC became one of the main distribution centers.