Disasters in Dominica

Dominica’s disaster risks include tropical cyclones, intense rainfall, flash floods, landslides, rockfalls, storm surges and coastal flooding. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are also significant hazards. Drought, fire, explosions, pollution and transport accidents can require action under the Emergency Powers (Disaster) Act. Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 and Category 5 Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused severe damage to housing, roads, bridges, agriculture, utilities and communications. Comprehensive Disaster Management, usually called CDM, brings prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, response and recovery into one system. The National Emergency Planning Organization, or NEPO, develops this approach under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The Office of Disaster Management, known as ODM, acts as the NEPO secretariat and manages the National Emergency Operations Centre, or NEOC. Dominica is organized into seven disaster districts: Portsmouth, St. Joseph, Roseau, Grandbay, La Plaine, Castle Bruce and Marigot, alongside the Kalinago Territory. District Disaster Management Committees, Community Emergency Operations Centres and local authorities support action closer to affected communities. The Dominica Meteorological Service, or DMS, issues severe weather information for tropical cyclones, tropical waves, trough systems, floods and strong winds. Its vigilance levels indicate increasing action: low means to be aware, medium means to be prepared and high means to take action. A hurricane or tropical storm watch may be issued about 48 hours before expected conditions, while a warning may cover conditions expected within about 36 hours. Local official announcements determine the current response. ODM provides official warnings for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. A household emergency kit should include water, durable food, medicines and other essential supplies, while important documents should be protected and backed up. A family emergency plan should identify communication arrangements, evacuation choices, people who need assistance and local hazards. District and community planning also covers hazard mapping, evacuation, search and rescue, and shelter management. Emergency shelters should account for disability, gender and other specific support needs. Regional Emergency Shelters at Jimmit and Castle Bruce supplement schools, churches, community or resource centres, private homes and other designated shelters. A tsunami requires immediate movement to high ground or inland when a strong or long-lasting earthquake occurs, the sea makes a loud unusual sound or the water suddenly withdraws. People should leave coastal and river areas without waiting for an official warning and avoid designated danger zones. For hurricanes, floods and storm surges, follow evacuation instructions early and use a designated Emergency Shelter or safe elevated accommodation. ODM’s Emergency Shelter List and Live Shelter Management System provide event-specific information. Access is arranged through local authorities, the Local Government Division and District Disaster Committees; no public application fee is established in the available national information, and shelter availability changes with each event. During an emergency, follow evacuation orders and shelter rules, avoid damaged buildings, loose power lines and damaged water or sewer mains, and report hazards to the responsible authorities. Return only after NEPO issues an ALL CLEAR, which confirms that authorities have authorized the return. Boil drinking water until health authorities confirm that the supply is safe. Medical treatment and water safety belong to the health response after an event, while ODM coordinates disaster operations such as evacuation, relief, damage assessment, road clearance and restoration of essential systems. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, or CDEMA, can mobilize regional assistance when an affected state requests it. For current disaster information, contact ODM at +1 767 266-4412, +1 767 266-4477 or +1 767 266-4411, and NEOC at +1 767 266-4416. The Dominica Police Force can be reached at +1 767 266-5100, Fire and Ambulance at +1 767 266-4410, Princess Margaret Hospital Accident and Emergency at +1 767 266-2105, and DMS Melville Hall at +1 767 266-4458 or +1 767 255-9115. Roads and bridges, airports and ports, water, electricity and telecommunications can fail together, so current local status should be checked rather than assumed. Under the Emergency Powers (Disaster) Act, the President may declare a state of emergency for Dominica or part of the country by Gazette. The declaration can last up to one month without a renewed proclamation, but it does not by itself create a universal individual payment entitlement. Relief, damage assessment, repairs and rebuilding depend on the event and available assistance. Long-term recovery may follow the climate-resilient approaches of the Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan, while the timing and cost of recovery vary by location and damage.