Dominica begins to rebuild after the impact of Tropical Storm Erika. Assessments continue to the country’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, sites and attractions which are critical to the Country’s productivity and tourism industry. Douglas-Charles Airport remains the only port which continues its cleanup towards reopening. Canefield Airport, the ferry terminal and both cruise ports – Roseau Cruise Ship Berth and the Woodbridge Bay Port – were unaffected by the TS Erika.

Here is an update on accessibility, sites and attractions:

·         Emerald Pool: This site and trail has been unaffected by the storm

·         Trafalgar Falls: The trail to the falls is unaffected all the way to the viewing platform. While some of the topography has changed, Dominica’s twin falls still remain as picturesque as before.

  • Spanny Falls: This new emerging site is for the most part unaffected. Minor repairs to the viewing platform will be completed before the first cruise ship docks in Dominica in early October.
  • Jako Falls: This site and trail has been unaffected by the storm
  • Mero Beach: While there was some beach erosion, the beach was left almost unaffected by the storm
  • Cabrits National Park: This site and trail has been unaffected by the storm
  • Indian River: The site is unaffected at the boarding area, making Dominica’s longest river accessible for visitors interested in the popular scenic boat ride
  • Kalinago Barana Aute (KBA): This site and trail has been unaffected by the storm
  • Botanical Gardens/Morne Bruce: Both sites have been unaffected by the storm
  • Concord River: The pool area has been unaffected by the storm
  • Bois Colette Estate: This site has been unaffected by the storm
  • Soufriere Scenic Tour: This entire tour has been unaffected by the storm
  • Almost all roads in Dominica are motorable. Where damages occurred there are temporary bypasses to facilitate travel, which will be in place until the permanent repairs are made. It is encouraged that you request a status on the roads before travelling, as you may be advised on the appropriate mode of transportation to take (4x4 vs cars and size--jeeps vs. coaster – 20 seaters)

 

Here is an update on island services:

·         Utilities have been restored to a majority of the island; more specifically

"Courier New""o   Water has been restored to 70% of the island

"Courier New""o   Electricity have been restored to 97% of the island

"Courier New""o   Telecommunications (primarily cell sites) has been restored to approximately 98% of the island; the lone sites being where the mudslides destroyed equipment

"Courier New""o   Television and Internet service has been restored to a majority of the island

·         The L’ Express Des lles ferry service, which brings passengers from the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Lucia is currently running.

·         All sea ports remain functional and open

·         Douglas-Charles Airport remains closed as crews clean up and assess the damage. The runway has been cleared and a C-130 Military aircraft has landed to bring in supplies. At least one commercial airline has successfully completed a test flight.

·         Canefield Airport is operational for helicopter and small aircraft as per schedule below

"Courier New";color:black"o   WINAIR is providing daily flights to Canefield Airport in Dominica from St. Maarten.

"Courier New";color:black"o   Caribbean Helicopters is providing daily fixed-wing service on a 6-seater aircraft between Antigua and Dominica’s Canefield Airport.

"Courier New";color:black"o   Hummingbird Air offers charters to Canefield from St. Maarten, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

·         LIAT and Seaborne Airlines have increased flights into Guadeloupe to facilitate travel into and out of Dominica via ferry services.

·         We have confirmed that 72 of 94 properties are currently operational. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with their accommodations regarding the status of their properties and surrounding infrastructure. Some hotels are beginning their annual September/October closure early in an effort to clean up and re-group for the busy fall travel season.

·         Tour operators are operational, although some are observing their seasonal maintenance shutdown.  

·         Hiking trails and roads continue to be assessed for accessibility and safety.

·         9 of 11 Dive Operators are functional. Visitors are encouraged to check directly with their dive operator regarding the status of their operations and surrounding infrastructure.

·         Dominica tourism officials are working with island visitors and others to provide service and answer questions. If you have a query, please call 767 448 2045 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The island of Dominica would like to thank the Caribbean community and others for the support we are receiving in the days following Tropical Storm Erika. We are saddened by the lives that were lost. We are dedicated to locating those who are still missing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all families, residents and visitors experiencing such tragic loss.