Bridgetown, Barbados, September 7, 2019 (The Nassu): The official death toll from Hurricane Dorian  climbed to 43, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis advised last night.

Thirty-five of the deaths were recorded in Abaco and the remaining eight were recorded in Grand Bahama.

“We acknowledge that there are many missing and that the number of deaths is expected to significantly increase,” Minnis said in a statement.

“This is one of the stark realities we are facing in this hour of darkness.

“The loss of life we are experiencing is catastrophic and devastating. The grief we will bear as a country begins with the families who have lost loved ones. We will meet them in this time of sorrow with open arms and walk by their sides every step of the way.

“To those who have lost loved ones, I know there is absolutely nothing we can say that
will lessen your pain and loss. We offer you our shoulders to cry on, our prayers of  comfort and our promise that your loved ones will never be forgotten.”

On Thursday, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands said he expects the final death toll to be staggering.

“I ask the Bahamian people to join me in grieving this horrible loss,” Minnis said.

“Let us pray for the dead and their families.”

Dorian pummeled Grand Bahama and Abaco for more than three days, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.