Appeal to raise $31 million to ease ‘huge challenges’ for Dominica

Last updated: October 2, 2017 at 15:07 pm

A collection of aid agencies have launched an urgent appeal to raise money for hurricane-beaten Dominica.

Hurricane Maria ripped through the small island on 18 September, damaging or destroyed almost every building, blocking roads and killing at least 30 people.

One of the Eastern Caribbean's poorest countries, Dominica's poverty rate is estimated at 28.9%, or approximately 21,000 people, with some of the hardest-hit parishes also being among the poorest.

Emergency supplies from the United Nations food relief agency are being delivered to Dominica as people face “huge challenges in their lives”.

“Dominica has been badly battered and needs to be rebuilt,” said Miguel Barreto, World Food Programme (WFP) regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We're working with the Government to support the people who are facing huge challenges in their lives.”

Captivating video from #Dominica that follows a walk from Castle Comfort to #Roseau the day after #HurricaneMaria ➡️https://t.co/jMDoKRI4lh pic.twitter.com/nKYC1WWz2a

— WIC News (@WIC_News) September 21, 2017

The Hurricane Maria Flash Appeal for Dominica is hoping to raise US$31.1 million to reach the entire population over the next three months.

Lack of fresh running water and electricity, along with road damage and communication black-outs, are major priorities.

Some 10 metric tons of WFP high-energy biscuits were transported by ship to the eastern Caribbean island last week before being delivered to remote communities helicopter and to coastal villages by boat.

The WFP plans to provide a range of food assistance to some 25,000 people for three months as it discusses with the government a system to supply hurricane-affected people with food vouchers to be used in local markets once they reopen.

Help get bring normality

The WFP is also providing critical logistics, air service and telecommunications support to Dominica and the humanitarian relief response.

Its Emergency Telecommunications Team – with expert support from the Ericsson Response Team and the government of Luxembourg – has set up connectivity in Dominica to some 400 registered users including the Government Emergency Operations Centre, the island's airports and hospitals, and the Dominican, Venezuelan and French fire brigades.

“We've been talking to the Government about how to help them get their systems up and running again,” said O'Malley.

“People want to go back to their normal lives and we can help them do that.”

The UN food agency's emergency efforts are part of a larger UN operation to provide a range of assistance including disaster relief, humanitarian coordination, shelter and water.

On the logistics side, the UN Humanitarian Response Depot in Panama and the UN Humanitarian Air Service – both managed by WFP – are providing support to humanitarian partners in Dominica and the region.