CARICOM's health agency sending staff to assess dire Dominica situation

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has deployed members of its staff, who have joined sister CARICOM institution, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, to carry out rapid needs assessment in Dominica.

Dominica suffered widespread devastation to homes and infrastructure after Hurricane Maria, the second major storm to hit the Caribbean this month made landfall on the island on Monday.

CARPHA was established in 2011 as the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean and began operations in 2013.

“We urge Caribbean residents and visitors in the projected path of the storm to take continued precautions as it makes its way through the northern part of the Caribbean”, the agency said.

He confirmed that 15 people are known to have died – and all have already been buried – and at least another 20 are missing.

The fact that hundreds have not died is a miracle, the prime minister added, and a clearer picture should emerge tomorrow.