The Caribbean island of Dominica remains under active flood warnings for both its eastern and western coastlines, government officials have confirmed, as an extended period of heavy rain continues to pummel the region and raise flood risks across the island.
National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has appealed to residents to maintain both calm and caution amid the ongoing weather event. In his address to the public, he noted that while meteorological conditions are entirely outside of human control, individuals can mitigate their personal risk by making intentional choices about their movements and keeping a level head. He also issued a warning against the spread of unvetted, alarming imagery across social media platforms, pointing out that many Dominicans still carry trauma from past devastating weather events including Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 and Hurricane Maria in 2017, and that sensationalized content can cause unnecessary widespread panic.
According to Blackmoore, all national emergency response systems have been fully activated to coordinate preparations and relief efforts. Disaster management teams, fire service personnel, and public works crews have already been deployed to at-risk regions across the island. “All the systems are in place in terms of response, and preliminary damage assessments are already underway for areas that have been impacted. We are fully prepared to move forward with relief and recovery as soon as conditions allow,” he said, adding a critical note that first responders must prioritize their own safety while working to evacuate and support vulnerable community members.
Senior Meteorological Officer Marshall Alexander provided updated rainfall data, confirming that accumulations on the island’s eastern coast have already surpassed 200 millimeters (8 inches), while western coast areas have recorded more than 50 millimeters (2 inches) of rain. In response to the rising water levels, the national meteorological service upgraded the existing flood watch for the western coast to a full flood warning, and extended both coasts’ warnings through 6 p.m. local time on the day of the announcement.
Alexander explained that the persistent bad weather is being driven by a slow-moving trough system parked over the region, which will continue to bring moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms to the island over the coming hours. He added that widespread flooding is now considered a likely outcome on both coasts as saturated ground struggles to absorb additional rainfall.
Authorities are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of weather conditions, river levels, and flood risk across Dominica. They have issued specific guidance for high-risk groups including farmers, fishermen, and daily commuters, urging all residents to stay alert to changing conditions and follow all official safety advisories.