The first helicopter landed in Dominica yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 19th september) after an unsucessful attempt earlier in the day. The helicopter took Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on an aerial tour to review the damage.
The helicopter also brought in communications equipment.
A coast guard boat will sailing from Barbados tonight (Wednesday 20th) with a search and rescue team which includes fire officers, assessment teams and supplies.
Communication links in Dominica are inoperable.
It’s difficult to determine the level of fatalities but so far seven are confirmed, as a direct result of the hurricane. That figure, the Prime Minister fears, will rise as he wades his way into the rural communities today, Wednesday. The urgent needs now are roofing materials for shelters, bedding supplies for hundreds stranded in or outside what’s left of their homes and food and water drops for residents of outlying districts inaccessible at the moment.
In summary, the island has been devastated. The housing stock significantly damaged or destroyed. All available public buildings are being used as shelters; with very limited roofing materials evident. The country needs the support and continued help and prayers of all.