Dominica: UK aid reaches hurricane-savaged shores

Last updated: September 23, 2017 at 06:29 am

UK aid teams have arrived in Hurricane Maria-hit Dominica, as the focus shifts to making sure affected Caribbean islands have the supplies they need, Britain’s International Development Secretary has said.

Dominica, with a population of 72,000, was merciless struck by the category five hurricane on Monday night.

So far 15 people have been confirmed as dead but WIC News understands this figure is already higher. Yesterday 20 people were confirmed to be missing.

Priti Patel called the second major hurricane to impact the region in just two weeks an "unprecedented crisis”.

A Department for International Development team are on-hand to assess the damage.

"Our focus now is on making sure the islands affected have the right supplies in the right places to deal with the aftermath of the latest hurricane," she said.

Roosevelt Skerrit, prime minister of the devastated island, said that damage is unlike anything the country has seen before.

Initial reports from Dominica suggest widespread destruction, with 90% of buildings damaged or destroyed.

The island was left uncontactable for more than 36 hours after it was hit.

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A fundraising effort – DominiCARElief – organised by Dominica’s high commission in London is underway. More information can be found and donations can be made at www.dominicarelief.org.