Photos show the mangled airplanes and buildings at Grand Bahama airport that Hurricane Dorian left behind
The storm devastated the Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport — the only international airport on Grand Bahama Island. Tornado-strength winds tore into buildings and aircraft.
The airport is "a debris field" following the storm, according to CNN reporter Patrick Oppmann.
Large pieces of damaged buildings and airplanes were scattered around the airport and the surrounding roads.
Airplanes, like this Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain, were thrown across the grounds. The damage to the airframe is unmistakable.
That Piper, although it was catastrophically damaged, was in relatively good shape compared to some other planes, including this one which was split in half on the airfield.
Many of them are beyond repair.
Rescuers had to navigate around, over, or through massive debris to reach victims.
International relief efforts could be hampered because of the extensive damage done to the airport's infrastructure.
There was no power at the airport on Thursday local time, although the runway was cleared of debris by then. There was no word on when civilian flights could begin again. Coast Guard and military aircraft providing aid would likely be able to land sooner, though aid was also arriving by sea and at other landing sites
The Grand Bahama International Airport wasn't the only site of devastation. Other airports and islands were also severely damaged. This is an aerial view of the Marsh Harbour Airport in the Abaco Islands, Bahamas, taken on September 3. Flood water completely covered the runway.
The death toll stood at seven as of Thursday afternoon, local time. That number was likely to increase as rescuers reach damaged areas in search of more victims.
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