Aug 24 2007
The U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $25,000 to Dominica through its Office of Disaster Management to support the local purchase and transport of emergency shelter repair materials to those areas affected by the recent hurricane. USAID will also provide 75 rolls of plastic sheeting to the island to the help meet its emergency shelter needs. In addition, USAID will provide 50 rolls of plastic sheeting to St. Lucia through its National Emergency Management Organization. On August 23, U.S. Chief of Mission for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Clyde I. Howard declared a disaster in Dominica and St. Lucia due to the effects of Hurricane Dean.
From August 16 to 17, high winds, storm surge, and flooding resulting from Hurricane Dean affected the Eastern Caribbean islands of Dominica and St. Lucia. The hurricane caused significant damage in the agricultural sector on both islands, according to initial assessments from government officials, USAID disaster specialists, and officials from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency. Hurricane Dean also damaged at least 500 houses on Dominica and damaged housing and infrastructure in St. Lucia.
On August 15, a four-person USAID assessment team arrived in Barbados in advance of Hurricane Dean's approach to the Eastern Caribbean, and two additional USAID team members deployed to Dominica and St. Kitts.
USAID will monitor the situation and provide additional assistance as needed.