No reports of injury or death directly related to weather conditions Prime Minister Skerrit says

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that there have been no reports of injury or death directly related to the weather conditions.  He made the announcement while addressing a press briefing on Tuesday.

Dominica was affected by Tropical Storm Philippe which caused major flooding, landslides, and falling rocks in some parts of the island.

“We have had no reports of injury or death and for this, we give praise and thanks to the Almighty,” he revealed.

Skerrit continued, “Unfortunately there was a vehicular accident in the Belles area, not directly related to the weather conditions. Passengers suffered some injuries; we wish them a speedy recovery.”

He said the center of TS Philippe passed at least 150 miles away from Dominica.

“We did not have to contend with high winds, but continue to feel the effects of the intense rain,” he stated. “Here in Dominica apart from the Met office’s normal updates a flood watch had been issued as of yesterday morning which was later upgraded to a flood warning.”

Furthermore, he stated that rainfall in excess of 6 inches was recorded yesterday evening and overnight which resulted in flash flooding, landslides, and rock falls; and assessments are being carried out in the areas affected. Skerrit indicated that the Ministry of Public Works has been on alert since yesterday and is currently engaged in road clearance operations where necessary, working alongside the staff of the Fire and Ambulance Service.

“The office of Disaster Management along with other relevant departments continues to assess the damage and a full report is pending,” he said. “The government will update citizens accordingly as the information comes from the various departments.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to remind citizens of the need to exercise constant vigilance in and out of the Hurricane Season.

“From our experiences, we know that we are especially vulnerable to severe and changing weather patterns associated with climate change,” he advised. “Let us keep our guard up always, make the necessary preparations, and heed the warnings of the Met office and the Office of Disaster Management in order to protect lives and property.”

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