One entire community evacuated, nine special disaster areas declared – Dominica post-Erika
Dominica’s Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has confirmed that the more than 150 residents of the devastated Petit Savanne community were evacuated between Sunday and Monday as the country begins the recovery process following last Thursday’s passage of the destructive tropical storm Erika. Several of the more than 20 deaths were recorded in this area, where severe flooding and landslides also caused widespread destruction to property. Prime Minister Skerrit said Dominicans in other parts of the country have already opened their homes to more than half of the evacuees.
The Government of Dominica and the CDEMA Coordinating Unit are working together on developing a plan to reduce the vulnerability of displaced persons.
Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis
Damage assessment and needs analysis are ongoing. Data is currently being collated at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
Declaration of Special Disaster Areas
The Government of Dominica has declared nine (9) Special Disaster Areas. These are:
• Petite Savanne
• Pichelin
• Good Hope
• Bath Estate (Paradise Valley)
• Dubique
• Campbell
• Coulibistrie
• San Sauveur
• Petite Soufriere
The Government has reported that search and rescue was conducted in the affected areas. Access to a number of communities has been restored and injured persons have been airlifted to the Princess Margaret Hospital. Support is being organised to secure transportation via sea for coastal communities.
Casualties
Dead and Missing
As of August 31, 2015, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has confirmed 11 out of the 20 feared dead. The NEOC has also reported 35 persons have been reported missing. In addition 574 persons were reported homeless, over 600 evacuated and 267 in shelters.
Infrastructure
• To date 52 houses have been reported as destroyed, and 89 damaged
• Communications have been significantly hampered
Major damage to roadways and bridges has resulted in communities being cut off.