STATEMENT: 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.