SITUATION REPORT #1 - FLASH FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES, APRIL 17- 25, 2013

Message CDEMA has initiated a Level 2 Response to facilitate requests from Dominica following flash flooding and landslides as a result of heavy rains over the period April 17 – 20, 2013. Major road subsidence at Pond Casse on April 19, caused the death of two persons.

Event Reports from the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) state that Dominica experienced an extended period of moisture and instability associated with a trough system which generated heavy rains and isolated thunderstorms mainly across the central portion of the island commencing on the 17th April and lasting until the 20th April 2013. Rainfall records from the Dominica Meteorological Services obtained Melville Hall and Airports indicate an accumulated total rainfall for the period a 437.7mm/17ins and 120.8mm/4.5ins respectively.

The after effects of the trough system have left lingering moisture in the area that continues to cause isolated showers.

Situation: According to ODM, the continuous rainfall has caused landslides and flash flooding with extensive tree and rock falls in many areas. Up to April 25, the continuing isolated showers are resulting in cresting of rivers and further saturation of soils.

Damage was mainly sustained to roads, tourism infrastructure and utilities. ODM also received reports of minor damage to fishing communities and residents in rural areas due to flooding.

Casualties Two persons are dead and one injured after the vehicle they were travelling in fell into the 40 feet crater created by a road subsidence at Pond Casse on April 19.

Road Damage Roads in several communities had to be temporarily closed to flooding or until cleared of rocks, trees and debris. One major road subsidence occurred at Pond Casse at approximately 5:30am on the morning of Friday April 19, 2013 creating a 40 feet crater. This road has been rendered impassable and remains closed.

Land subsidence has also occurred in the Wet Area and at the junction of the Warner to Saltan Road.

Bridges Flooding in San Sauveur in has left the bridge impassable due to structural damage. This has affected the villagers including workers and school children who were unable to get to work and school.

Landslides The Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Ports assessed approximately thirty landslides across the island including in the Southern Community of , Dubic, the road to Good Hope and Petite Soufriere, on the Melville Hall to Pond Casse and Pond Casse to the east corridor and Emerald Pool area.

Two families were evacuated in the community of Dubic due to flood waters entering their homes when a landslide and large tree fell into the Dubic River.

Utilities LIME telephone service was interrupted in a few areas due to falling poles and minor mudslides. Service was reportedly restored within 24 to 48 hours.

Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) experienced extensive interruptions to water supplies on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 across the island. Damage was sustained in the Layou Valley area and other water catchment areas. According to ODM report of April 25, water service has now been restored to 90% of affected areas.

National Actions Taken Interventions and restorations works on damaged infrastructure are being carried out throughout the island. Various sectors are conducting damage assessment including the Ministries of Public Works, Agriculture and Fisheries. The Dominica Red Cross, the Ministry of Health and the Dominica Fire Services have provided psycho-social support to families and friends of the victims who were involved in the accident at Pond Case.

Immediate Needs  Technical support has been requested for the areas affected by land subsidence and landslides.

 Assistance for rural families in the restoration of their dwellings and replacement of items

Other Needs Expressed  Support for the assessment, upgrading and strengthening of emergency plans has been requested.  Strengthening of emergency response and search and rescue through training of Community Emergency Response Teams

Regional Actions The Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has been communicating with the ODM and has been receiving updates by telephone and electronic mail.

CDEMA has initiated a Level Two response as defined by the Regional Levels of Response to Disasters. This means that assistance will be through the facilitation of specialised support as requested by Dominica. In this regard, CDEMA has alerted the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and is in consultation with ODM to determine the other specific needs and specialised technical support required.

The University of the West Indies has also been apprised of the situation and requested to be on standby for providing technical assistance if required.

CDEMA remains committed to providing assistance as required and will provide updates on the situation as necessary.

CONTACT DETAILS: The CDEMA CU 24-hour contact number 1(246) 425 0386