CARICOM is concerned about the distress and damage wrought by flooding in Layou, Dominica last week Thursday, following the overtopping of the Layou River and breach of the Mathieu Dam.
The flooding caused destruction and damage to crops, infrastructure and homes to the tune of US$6.6M, according to preliminary estimates. Acting CARICOM Secretary-General Lolita Applewhaite said the Community stands in solidarity with the government and people of Dominica, according to a CARICOM press statement.
She said she was confident that the courage and resilience of the Dominican people would fortify them as the tasks of recovery and rebuilding starts.
Applewhaite acknowledged that the effects of the flooding will be long-term, with serious implications, especially for the country’s agriculture and tourism sectors, as both are at the centre of the economic activities in the affected areas.
CARICOM, through its disaster management institutions, stands ready to offer its assistance and help to mitigate the effects of this natural disaster, the release said.
