A preliminary report estimates Dorian caused a total of some $7 billion in damage.

With winds of 295 kph, the hurricane obliterated houses on the Bahamas’ Abaco and Grand Bahama islands, home to some 70,000 people. The official death toll from the government is at 20 and certain to climb.

The Bahamas' health minister Duane Sands says the death toll left in the wake of Hurricane Dorian has risen to 20, with more fatalities to be expected.