Fear of more flooding

Roseau is like a ghost town this morning, Tuesday 15 September 2015 because Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit ordered the closure of schools and urged public workers to remain at home.

Rain was expected to batter a storm-weary Dominica again after the ravages of Tropical Storm Erika on 27 September 2015. Erika killed at least 12 people (many are missing) and caused damage valued at over EC$600 million.

A flood watch is in effect till 2.00pm today.

Skerrit also advised the private sector to do likewise and so banks, supermarkets, restaurants, stores, institutions, small shops and boutiques shut their doors today.

Only vagrants, stray dogs and the curious ignored the warning.

In a radio broadcast on State-Owned DBS, Prime Minister Skerrit said: "Parents, guardians and teachers are advised that there shall be no school today, Tuesday 15th September due to the weather conditions. Public officers should also stay home and we are encouraging the private sector to take the similar decision.

"Based on the weather conditions, I have been advised that we should cancel school for today. There will be no school today and that is for all schools in the country. And also we have been advised that we should ask public officers to stay home. We do not want to have a situation where people are trapped anywhere in the country".

According to a weather advisory issued by the Dominica Meteorological Service at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 "A tropical wave will continue to generate shower and isolated thunderstorm activity across the area during the next 12 to 24 hours.

"Residents in Dominica in areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling rocks should remain vigilant and exercise caution. A flood watch is in effect until 12 noon today, Tuesday.

"Moderate sea conditions are expected during the next 24 to 48 hours with waves peaking near 7.0 feet.

"Meanwhile, two tropical waves are located in the Central and Eastern Tropical Atlantic."

At mid-morning on Tuesday there have been unconfirmed reports of landslides and flooding in a number of communities across Dominica.