Residents of the northern Bahamas, some trapped on the roofs of homes, have sent out pleas for help after Hurricane Dorian stalled over the area.

Dorian fell in strength today to category three, but Grand Bahama island faced at least another day of heavy rain, high winds, and storm surge.

The storm killed at least five people when it hit the nearby Abaco Islands at category five strength with 185 mph winds.

The Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis highlighted the massive hit his nation took.

The life-threatening conditions have strained search and rescue efforts as distress calls were pouring in. One woman said her eight-year-old grandson drowned in the rising water.

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Here in Barbados Executive Director of The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Ronald Jackson said at a news briefing this morning they will be setting up a logistics hub in The Bahamas to be able to move supplies to the storm-hit islands.

He said their team has been deployed to the country since Saturday and will start groundwork by tomorrow.

His update followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CDEMA and The United Nations Populations Fund this morning that will allow states to assist each other in responding to emergency situations.

Mr. Jackson says while many are willing to help, cash is preferred.

He called on the region to take disasters seriously and not be complacent since “we do not know when it’s our time.”