Hurricane Dorian Death Toll Climbs After Hitting The Bahamas, Thousands Could Be Missing

Hurricane Dorian continues its path up the eastern coast of the U.S. after 43 recorded deaths in the Bahamas and thousands potentially missing. Officials say that the death toll is expected to rise even further.

"Forty-three is the official count, many missing and this number is expected to grow significantly," said a spokesperson for Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

Two parts of the Bahamas — Grand Bahama and Great Abaco Island —were especially battered by the storm, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. On Friday, vulnerable residents on Great Abaco Island lined up next to a tiny airstrip, where planes would then take them to safety and shelter.

The devastation has resulted in 70,000 Bahamian people left homeless and entire neighborhoods flooded.

Cruise ships companies, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival, have pledged cash and food-relief supplies to help the Bahamas, which has long been a top tourist destination.

The U.S. government has also provided supplies to the affected area, along with the United Nations and celebrities such as filmmaker Tyler Perry and rapper Ludacris.

"I give all credit to FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard and the brave people of the Bahamas," President Donald Trump said about U.S. relief efforts.

The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean. Almost 3.9 million foreign air and sea arrivals came to the island between January and June of this year, according to official government figures.

Notable resorts in the Bahamas include Atlantis, Paradise Island, which was spared by the hurricane, and Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Hurricane Dorian is now significantly weaker. It is set to clip southeast New England and the Eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia.