Members of USAID's Caribbean Hurricanes Disaster Assistance Response Team in Dominica report widespread damage after Hurricane Maria—the second Category 5 storm to hit the Caribbean in two weeks—battered the island.

Peter Schecter, USAID/OFDA

Key Developments

On the night of September 18, 2017, Hurricane Maria passed directly over Dominica as a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, causing widespread, catastrophic damage across the island. Dominica’s main hospital, the prime minister’s official residence, and many other buildings lost their roofs to the hurricane’s strong winds, which reached 160 miles per hour. International media reported at least 15 storm-related deaths on Dominica as of September 21, and the number of fatalities was expected to rise as damage assessments continued.

On September 19, U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Linda S. Taglialatela issued a disaster declaration for Dominica due to the effects of Hurricane Maria. In response, USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) is providing an initial $100,000 to address the priority needs of hurricane-affected populations. USAID/OFDA activated a disaster risk management specialist and two local surge capacity consultants for Dominica ahead of the storm. In addition, a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team in the Caribbean and Response Management Team in Washington, D.C.—initially established in response to Hurricane Irma—remain activated.

Learn more about USAID's Caribbean Hurricanes response efforts

Background

Dominica, an island country in the eastern Caribbean, is vulnerable to natural disasters, including hurricanes and severe weather. When disaster strikes Dominica, USAID/OFDA typically works with non-governmental organizations to meet humanitarian needs and complement local and national government relief efforts. In addition to direct disaster relief, USAID/OFDA supports a number of regional initiatives to address disaster risks and build capacity for disaster response in the Caribbean.