Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Hurricane, 08-23-2007
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 widespread
damage in the agricultural sector on both islands, according
to initial damage assessments from government officials,
USAID/OFDA 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
valued at approximately $320,000 in St. Lucia.
On August 23, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for Barbados and the Eastern
Caribbean Clyde I. Howard declared a disaster in Dominica and St. Lucia due
to the effects of Hurricane Dean. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $25,000
through the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown to the Dominica Office of Disaster Management
for the local purchase and transport of emergency shelter repair materials
to affected areas. In addition, USAID/OFDA provided 75 rolls of plastic sheeting
to help meet shelter needs in Dominica. In response to needs in St. Lucia,
USAID/OFDA provided 50 rolls of plastic sheeting to the St. Lucia National
Emergency Management Organization. These relief items were provided in coordination
with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown. On August 15, a four-person USAID/OFDA
assessment team arrived in Bridgetown in advance of Hurricane Dean's approach
to the Eastern Caribbean, and two additional USAID/OFDA team members deployed
to Dominica and St. Kitts. The USAID/OFDA team member in Dominica conducted
follow up assessments in conjunction with the Dominica Office of Disaster Management.
For information on USAID's hurricane recovery and reconstruction programs, please see here.
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