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Tropical Storm Erika - Aug 2015

Disaster description

Erika, the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed on 24 August, 2015. On 27 Aug at 2.00pm Tropical Storm warnings remained in effect for the following countries: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis. Tropical Storm watches have been issued for the Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Preliminary reports indicate that there has been significant rainfall in Dominica that has resulted in flooding and landslides. There are reports of casualties and damage to infrastructure: 25-30 persons presumed missing in the north-eastern and south-eastern areas of Dominica. (CDEMA, 27 Aug 2015)

The island of Dominica sustained significant damage due to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika on 28 August. A band of torrential rain caused by the system resulted in the 6 to 8 inches of rainfall in less than twelve hours and triggered massive flooding and several landslides. (IFRC, 4 Sep 2015)

Fourteen people were reported dead, 16 missing, 574 rendered homeless and 1,034 people evacuated due to the unsafe conditions in their communities. As of 25 September 2015, damage and losses were estimated at EC$1.3 billion (US$483 million) or 90 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)...The communities of Petite Savanne and Dubique were hardest hit with all residents being evacuated to guest houses and community centres. The government is in the process of building new homes for the 39 families in Dubique, with the expectation that the relocation will take place by April 2016. The residents of Petite Savanne will be resettled to Bellevue Chopin, but no timeframe has been set for the completion of the building. (IFRC, 21 Jan 201)

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