PM Skerrit asks Dominicans not to panic as TS Dorian churn towards Dominica

As the Tropical Storm Dorian is churning towards Commonwealth of Dominica, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit held a press briefing to address the nation in this regard. PM urged citizens of Dominica to stay calm and vigilant during this natural catastrophe, and follow the advisories and guidance provided by the Office of Disaster Management. There will be another press briefing by Prime Minister at 5:30 PM in the evening today with officials of Health, Police and Weather to outline the directions given to the public.

Prime Minister during his address urged people not to panic and said that the country will continue to its daily duties. “We will provide you time to time update in the emergence of TS Dorian.”

“I urge all citizens and residents to take heed of all advisories and guidance provided to us by the office of disaster management, national emergency planning organisation and MeT office. As always, we all have access to all mediums for information like the internet, but always pay particular heed to that which comes from ODM (Office of Disaster Management) because this is the official source of information for the citizens of Dominica,” said Prime Minister.

During the press briefing, PM Skerrit also said that people should not become complacent by watching mountains that there is no rain coming and also by seeing sunshine outside. Recent history would remind the importance of giving heed to all advisories and guidance and the public should take actions at family and community level.

While the national NEPO (National Emergency Planning Organisation) has the overall responsibility and mandate to save the country from any natural disaster. It is very important also to recognise that individuals must do their own preparations as well.

“Heavy rains expect landslides mudslides and flooding in some parts of the country. Therefore we have cabinet meeting with the NEPC and we have also mandated the Minister of Health to do inventories and audit of every health centre in Dominica to ensure they have adequate pharmaceutical medications at hand,” PM Skerrit added.

He also said that police are on the alert to ensure that they are able to respond to any request for rescuing people. We also have stationed heavy equipment to clear the roads afterwards storm to get quicker access to remote areas.

“We will have another press briefing at 5:30 in the evening with the presence of the health minister, police. Minister of public works and DWASCO to give an update of actions that they have taken. I would suggest filling water in utensils at homes because water system will be shut down for a while to secure and protect the stored water,” PM gave instructions.