Dominica is highly prone to natural disasters, due to its location in the Eastern Caribbean, its volcanic geology, and climate. These disasters have shaped the island’s development, environment, and economy.
Major Natural Disasters in Dominica
1. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Dominica lies in the Atlantic hurricane belt and experiences frequent tropical cyclones during the hurricane season (June–November).
Most Devastating Hurricanes:
- Hurricane Maria (2017)
- Category 5, one of the strongest to ever hit the island.
- Caused widespread destruction, with over 90% of homes damaged.
- Severely impacted agriculture, forests, electricity, water, and infrastructure.
- Death toll: over 30 people.
- Hurricane Erika (2015)
- Caused severe flooding and landslides.
- Major infrastructure damage and at least 30 fatalities.
- Wiped out entire villages like Petite Savanne.
- Tropical Storms: Ophelia (2011), Dean (2007), and others have also caused localized damage.
2. Volcanic Activity
- Dominica is part of the Volcanic Arc of the Lesser Antilles.
- Home to 9 potentially active volcanoes, the most of any Caribbean island.
Key Volcanic Features:
- Boiling Lake – second-largest hot lake in the world, proof of subsurface volcanic activity.
- Valley of Desolation – steaming fumaroles, sulfur springs.
- No major eruptions in recent history, but volcanic hazards include:
- Earthquakes
- Steam explosions
- Landslides near volcanic slopes
3. Floods and Landslides
- Due to steep terrain and heavy rainfall, Dominica is highly vulnerable to:
- Flash floods
- River overflows
- Deadly landslides (especially during storms)
- Deforestation and poor land use make this worse.
4. Earthquakes and Tsunamis
- Minor earthquakes are common due to Dominica’s tectonic setting.
- No major recent tsunami, but there is a risk from:
- Underwater volcanic eruptions
- Earthquakes near the coast
5. Climate Change Effects
- Rising sea levels → Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion.
- Longer droughts → Affecting water supply and crops.
- More intense hurricanes → Greater destruction risk.
Disaster Preparedness and Response
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| Office of Disaster Management (ODM) | National emergency planning and disaster response |
| Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) | Regional support and coordination |
| Red Cross & NGOs | Relief and community training |
| UN Agencies | Funding, reconstruction, and capacity building |
Resilience and Recovery
- Post-Hurricane Maria, Dominica committed to becoming the world’s first “Climate Resilient Nation”.
- Initiatives include:
- Rebuilding homes and infrastructure to hurricane standards.
- Expanding early warning systems.
- Strengthening emergency shelters and hospitals.
- Reforestation and slope stabilization.
