Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis says at least five people have died in the Abaco Islands, as Hurricane Dorian continues to pound the region as a category 4 storm.

He was speaking at a press briefing earlier today.

He says that there are also people in nearby Great Bahama Island, who are in serious distress.

Dr. Minnis says rescue crews will respond to calls for help as soon as weather conditions allow.

He adds that many homes and buildings have been severely damaged or destroyed.

Meantime, the head of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management (CDEMA) has stated that assessment teams may not be able to get into sections of hurricane ravaged Bahamas, until about Wednesday.

Ronald Jackson noted that this is due to the fact that hurricane Dorian has slowed down considerably, hovering over Grand Bahama.

It’s hoped that the storm will move on by Wednesday, in order for the authorities to give the all clear signal.