GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA UPDATE FOLLOWING IMPACT OF TROUGH SYSTEM

The Government of Dominica has moved decisively to implement a coordinated national response following the passage of a trough system on Sunday, April 26, 2026, which brought heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides, particularly in the East and Northeast of the island.

At an emergency meeting on Sunday evening Cabinet reviewed the evolving situation

and approved a series of immediate interventions aimed at securing lives, restoring

access and supporting affected households and productive sectors.

Key Decisions of Cabinet:

➢ Activation of National Emergency Response Protocols

The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) is fully activated, with all

relevant agencies engaged. The emergency shelter in Atkinson is operational, and

additional shelters in Castle Bruce and the Kalinago Territory will be opened if

necessary.

➢ Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment

Teams from all relevant ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Office

of Disaster Management, Ministry of Public Works, Local Government Department

and the Ministry of Health, will be deployed early on Monday morning (April 27) to

conduct rapid assessments of infrastructure, homes and agricultural losses.

Cabinet will be reconvened on Monday evening to review updates.

➢ Temporary School Closures Where Necessary

In the interest of student and staff safety, the following schools will remain closed

pending safety clearance.

• Concord Primary

• Atkinson Primary

• Salybia Primary

• Sineku Primary

• Castle Bruce Primary

• San Sauveur Primary

• Temple Seventh Day Adventist

• Wesley Primary

• Wills Strathmore Stevens (WS Stevens) Primary

• Castle Bruce Secondary

• North East Comprehensive

➢ Road Clearance and Infrastructure Restoration

Priority has been given to the clearance of landslides and restoration of access

along the road network. The Ministry of Public Works has mobilized heavy

equipment to affected areas, and work is ongoing to reopen the routes as quickly

and safely as possible. The Douglas-Charles Airport remains accessible.

➢ Utility Restoration and Monitoring

The Ministry of Public Works will continue to coordinate with utility providers to

restore electricity and water services in affected areas.

➢ Agricultural Support Measures

The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated assessments of damage to crops and

livestock. This will continue on Monday, April 28, with a report to Cabinet to inform

assistance measures.

➢ Health and Social Impact Assessment

No casualties or major injuries have been reported to date. Medical teams remain

fully mobilized and on standby, with continuous monitoring in place due to the risk

of further rainfall and landslides. The San Sauveur Health Centre is designated as

the primary emergency care centre for that area.

Preliminary assessments in Atkinson indicate that seven households, comprising

approximately fifteen individuals, have been affected. Some are currently

accommodated in shelters, while others are staying with relatives or neighbours.

These households have been prioritized for further assessment and targeted social

support.

Over the next 24 hours, multisectoral teams will be deployed to conduct detailed

on-the-ground assessments to guide response measures, resource allocation and

further Cabinet decisions.

➢ Public Safety Advisory

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the weather and will provide

timely information to the public.

Residents in affected areas are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution,

particularly between Wesley and Rosalie where saturated soils may lead to

landslides and falling rocks. Residents should remain indoors, avoid unnecessary

travel and stay alert in flood- or landslide-prone areas. Those who feel at risk

should move to a safer location and evacuate immediately if unusual sounds such

as cracking or rumbling are heard. Any signs of landslide activity should be

reported promptly to the relevant authorities.

Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and avoid flooded or unstable areas.

They should not walk or drive through floodwater and should avoid contact with

floodwater. The public is also advised to stay clear of tall trees, power lines and

any downed lines or unstable ground.

The Government of Dominica is committed to supporting all affected individuals and

communities. Every effort is being made to ensure a swift and coordinated recovery, with the safety and well-being of all citizens remaining the highest priority.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.