Hurricane Environment

Dominica is vulnerable to hurricanes as the island is located in the hurricane region. In 1979, Hurricane David struck the island as a Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread and extreme damage. In August 2015, Tropical Storm Erika caused extensive flooding and landslides across the island. Multiple communities were evacuated and upwards of 30 people were killed. The total damage and losses from the storm were estimated at US $484.82m.

On September 18th and September 19th, 2017, Category 5 Hurricane Maria tore a path through the Caribbean. It scored a direct hit on the Commonwealth of Dominica causing heart-wrenching devastation: 56,890 people affected with 28 dead. The sustained winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph) resulted in catastrophic damage with island wide communications blackout. Widespread flooding caused major landslides, extensive damage to crops and infrastructure (roads, schools, bridges, airport and seaports).

News Updates

Hurricane recovery: Agriculture revitalization in Dominica underway

Dominica: Hurricane Maria Situation Report No. 6 (as of 14 October 2017)

Barbadians Urged To Secure Homes For Disaster - Barbados

The Kalinago People - All about Dominica's first settlers and early inhabitants

Maps and Pictures show damage in the Grand Bay area and the South East
Need to be viewed at about 150%

Damage Assessment in Southern Dominica

Emergency: Hurricane Maria - Areial Reconnaissance of South and South-East