Queen ‘shocked and saddened’ by devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian

The Queen has said she is “shocked and saddened” to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.

In a statement to the country’s Governor-General, Sir Cornelius Smith, The Queen sent her condolences to those who lost their lives in the Category 4 storm.

According to the Red Cross, more than 13,000 homes in Grand Bahama and Abaco are understood to have been destroyed or severely damaged by the hurricane.

The storm stayed over the Bahamas for a day-and-a-half, resulting in the reported deaths of five people.

In a statement, The Queen said: “Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, and we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives following this terrible storm.

“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have seen their homes and property destroyed, and I also send my gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”