Five people were dead on Abaco Island as ‘extreme destruction’ continued.

[For the latest updates on Hurricane Dorian on Wednesday]

Hurricane Dorian continued its unrelenting assault on the Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands on Monday, causing “extreme destruction” as storm surges rose 12 to 18 feet above normal tide levels and at least five people were confirmed dead.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis of the Bahamas said the Royal Bahamas police force confirmed the deaths late Monday. Details about how the people died were not immediately available.

“We are in the midst of a historic tragedy,” Mr. Minnis said at an evening news conference. He added: “Our focus is search, rescue and recovery. I ask for your prayers for those in affected areas and for our first responders.”

Mr. Minnis said the videos of vast destruction in the country were heartbreaking.

“Many homes, businesses and other buildings have been completed or partially destroyed,” he said.