Hurricane Matthew: Caribbean, southeast U.S. begin recovery process

At least 33 people were killed after Hurricane Matthew made landfall in the U.S. over the weekend, days after the storm devastated Haiti as it passed north through the Caribbean.

According to reports, at least 12 people were killed in Florida (three as a direct result of the storm and nine others through complications such as carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical failures), while another 11 people were killed in North Carolina; deaths were also reported in Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina.

While the storm has passed, flooding remains a concern in some parts of the southeastern U.S., particularly in North Carolina which saw a record rainfall reaching 18 inches in parts of the state.

Meanwhile, relief efforts are underway in Haiti, where the death toll has reached more than 1,000; the CBC reported that the spread of cholera has become the main concern of aid workers. The U.N. has appealed for $119 million in relief funds for the island, the report said.

In the Bahamas, Atlantis, Paradise Island reported that the resort sustained only minimal damage following Hurricane Matthew; the resort is expected to be fully operational by tomorrow (Oct. 12). All guests, employees, and marine life remained safe and secure during the storm, Atlantis said.

And Sandals Resorts has delayed the reopening of the Sandals Grand Bahamian to Oct. 25 (back from Oct. 14) while Sandals Emerald Bay, located in Exuma, will reopen on Dec. 15 after damage to the resort was found to be more extensive than previously estimated.

Clients affected by the closure of Sandals Royal Bahamian or Sandals Emerald Bay will have one year to travel to the same resort at no additional cost for the resort stay, while clients wishing to revise to a different Sandals or Beaches Resort may do so at no additional cost for the resort when travel is completed by Dec. 20, 2016. For travel after that date, the guest is responsible for any difference in resort cost. All air penalties and fees will be covered by UVI for revisions made by Oct. 31, 2016. Fees incurred after that date, will be the responsibility of the guest. Blackout dates apply.

Sandals' other properties throughout the Caribbean are open and fully operational, the company said.