More than 650 Dutch, French and German military personnel have arrived in the Abaco islands in the Bahamas on board two Dutch navy ships, to help with the clean-up operation in the wake of hurricane Dorian.

Some 50 people were killed when the hurricane tore through the island group, destroying 13,000 homes and wrecking the infrastructure, particularly in the north.

The Dutch soldiers will first work to restore order to the port area and then place tents to store supplies. Some people will also be dispatched to help at local hospitals.

We’re here. Yesterday 2 @kon_marine ships with 650 European (🇳🇱🇫🇷🇩🇪) troops arrived at the Abaco islands. First priority is mapping out the situation on the ground. Forward units are in contact with local government and international aid workers. @cdemacu #hurricanedorian pic.twitter.com/kDT70ptLxz

— Ministerie van Defensie (@DefensieOnline) September 12, 2019

‘We have 40 to 50 vehicles with us which we will dispatch inland as soon as possible, where transport is needed,’ commander Ad van de Sande told broadcaster NOS.

According to the United Nations, some 70,000 people on the island group need direct access to clean water, food, medicine and shelter.