Update From the Island of Dominica Regarding the Effects of Tropical Storm Erika

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DA Press Statement

Release Date

Friday, September 4, 2015

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The island of Dominica would like to thank the Caribbean community and others for the support we are receiving in the days following Tropical Storm Erika. We are saddened by the lives that were lost. We are dedicated to locating those who are still missing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all families, residents and visitors experiencing such tragic loss.

Here is an update on island services.
· Water and electricity have been restored to most of the island, with water repairs taking slightly longer for a few villages.
· The L’ Express Des lles ferry service, which brings passengers from the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Lucia is currently running.
· All sea ports remain functional and open.

· Douglas-Charles Airport remains closed as crews clean up and assess the damage. The runway has been cleared and a C-130 Military aircraft has landed to bring in supplies.

· Canefield Airport is operational for helicopter and small aircraft as per schedule below

o WINAIR is providing daily flights to Canefield Airport in Dominica from St. Maarten.

o Caribbean Helicopters is providing daily fixed wing service on a 6-seater aircraft between Antigua and Dominica’s Canefield Airport.

o Hummingbird Air offers charters to Canefield from St. Maarten, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

· Liat and Seaborne Airlines have increased flights into Guadeloupe to facilitate travel into and out of Dominica via ferry services.

· We have confirmed that more than 60 of our estimated 100 hotels and resorts are currently operational. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with their accommodations regarding the status of their properties and surrounding infrastructure. Some hotels are beginning their annual September/October closure early in an effort to clean up and re-group for the busy fall travel season.

· Tour operators are operational, although some are observing their seasonal maintenance shutdown.

· Hiking trails and roads are being assessed for accessibility and safety.

· Sites and attractions are being assessed for accessibility and safety. We can report no damage to Emerald Pool

· Dive Operators are functional. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with their dive operator regarding the status of their operations and surrounding infrastructure

· Dominica tourism officials are working with island visitors and others to provide service and answer questions.Please call 767 448 2045 or email tourism@dominica.dm if you have a query.

Several fundraising sites have been established to assist with relief efforts. Here is a link to the Office of the Prime Minister’s site where additional details can be found, as well as some links to the relief funds:

· http://www.opm.gov.dm/

· Officially endorsed Dominica Government GoFundMe account:http://www.gofundme.com/DA-ErikaReliefFund

· New York Diaspora:http://www.gofundme.com/DAwecareFUND

· Red Cross of Dominica:https://www.youcaring.com/red-cross-of-dominica-421257

Please visit www.discoverdominica.com for additional updates.

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