Dominica: Hurricane Maria leaves at least 15 dead, 20 missing /update 2

Event

Hurricane Maria - which passed over the island on September 18 - has left at least 15 people dead and 20 more missing in Dominica as of Sunday, September 24. Over 90 percent of buildings and infrastructure on the island have reportedly sustained severe damage. Dominica's Ministry of Public Works and Ports announced on Friday that Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) and Canefield Airport (DCF), as well as seaports, were operational; however, commercial flights have not yet resumed. The US military is providing evacuation flights from DOM for US citizens as well as helicopter transportation for US citizens from Portsmouth to DOM. France and Venezuela also sent helicopters last week to Dominica to survey damage and aid recovery efforts. Transportation and communication disruptions remain severe and pervasive throughout the island amid widespread flood and landslide damage.

Context

Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction when it passed over Dominica as a category 5 storm (on a scale of 1 to 5) late on Monday, September 18. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit declared a national state of emergency after the storm hit and has implemented a daily curfew from 16:00 to 08:00 (local time), which will remain in place until conditions stabilize.

Advice

Individuals are advised to postpone nonessential travel to Dominica until further notice. Those already on the island are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, avoid flooded zones and hilly areas (risk of landslides), and drink only bottled or decontaminated water.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs disposed of.