Dominica Travel Restricted in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Erika

Government officials in Dominica are scrambling to provide relief for residents of Dominica with the basics, water, food, power, and communications in the wake of the flooding and mud slides triggered by Tropical Storm Erika.

As many as 20 people are dead. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt told reporters, “We have, in essence, to rebuild Dominica.

Travel to the Island is hampered by damage to the Douglas-Charles Airport which remains closed. Repairs are said to be underway but no estimate has been announced for a reopening.

Cane Field airport, Dominica’s second airport is open to limited traffic. Winair is flying twin engine Otters to Cane Field from St Maarten on a daily basis Winair plans to offer this special service for the next 10 days or until Douglas-Charles airport is repaired.

Liat, The Caribbean Airline announced changes in its schedule to help the people of Dominica. LIAT will be operating 29 additional flights into Guadeloupe during the next week. Travelers can then take the ferry from Guadeloupe to Dominica to complete their journey.

Telephone communications with the island is difficult but Examiner.com was able to reach the program director of KAIRI-FM who confirmed that the Port at Roseau was open and was accepting ferry traffic from nearby islands.

Cruise ships were not docking and are not expected for sometime. Status of tourist who remained on the island is not known though there have been no reports of death or injury to visitors.

Source: The Examiner