Dominica has suffered “widespread damage” from Hurricane Maria, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reports.
The hurricane suddenly strengthened to a “potentially catastrophic” category five storm, before making landfall on the island Monday night.
PM Skerrit who gave social media users live updates during storm which included him being rescued following the lost of his roof and flooding, quickly returned to share an initial report.
“Initial reports are of widespread devastation. So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace,” he wrote. “My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.”
Hurricane Maria makes landfall on Dominica as Category 5 storm
“So, far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with. The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn away roofs in the city and the countryside.”
“Come [tomorrow] morning we will hit the road, as soon as the all clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.”
“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating…indeed, mind boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.”
“We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds.”
“It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed,” he added.
Hurricane Maria will approach Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Maria could dump 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 centimeters) of rain over the Leeward Islands and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, causing flash floods and mudslides.
