Over 100 Petite Savanne residents evacuated; major roadways accessible

Residents of Petite Savanne gather to be evacuated on Sunday
Residents of Petite Savanne gather to be evacuated on Sunday

One hundred and nine residents of Petite Savanne were evacuated from the community by Sunday evening.

Petite Savanne was declared a Special Disaster Area by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika. Because of that and on the advice of the Disaster Management Coordinator, the government has decided to evacuate residents of Petite Savanne.

Skerrit said on Sunday night that the community is cut off from the rest of the country and residents have been cooperating in the evacuation. He said the exercise will continue on Monday morning, although the evacuation is not mandatory.

“The intention is to evacuate everyone who wants to be evacuated,” he noted.

He said that 109 people had been taken by boat to Roseau.

Disaster Coordinator, Don Corriette added that most of the 25 males, 38 females and 46 children who were brought out of Petite Savanne, have been taken in by relatives and the remainder are being housed at the Dominica Grammar School.

So far there has been no official indication of the death toll in Petite Savanne where, according to reports, massive landslides took several lives.

A search and rescue specialist team from Venezuela has been engaged to conduct the search in Petite Savanne using advanced technology.

The French have also been providing helicopters to assist in the exercise and so has Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister gave an update on the following major roadways:

-Roseau to Soufriere to Scotts Head is motorable and Gallion is accessible.
-Roseau to Loubiere to Bellevue is motorable, while Pichelin is accesible but is muddy and slippery
-Roseau to Portsmouth in the north along the west coast is accessible with four-wheel drive vehicles. There are bypasses in Layou, Machousherie and Batallie. The Batallie bypass is difficult. There are diversions in Coulibistrie and Point Round.
-Roseau to Marigot via Pont Casse and the Kalinago Territory is motorable
-Portsmouth to Marigot is accessible
-Portsmouth to Capuchin is accessible
-Portsmouth to Penville is accessible
-Castle Bruce to San Sauveur will be accessible by Sunday night
-Roseau to Trafalgar is motorable but the Carlton Philip Hill is very muddy and slippery and efforts are being made to get rid of the mud
-Pont Casse to La Plaine is clear and motorable
-Attempts are being made to have a temporary crossing at the Belles Bridge which was badly damaged
-Attempts are being made to get to Laudat via Shawford
-La Plaine to White River is inaccessible
-Grand Bay to Petite Savanne is inaccessible

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43 Comments

  1. August 31, 2015

    Marigot to Portsmouth is accessible!!!!????!!!!!? If you take your shoes off and wade across three Rivers and walk through mud!!! If that’s what you mean then yes! Some motorists are attempting to pass via a backroad and onto the airstrip but it isn’t even safe and most refuse to attempt it! And what about when the airport is back under security since the intent is to have flights back on track? My dear writer, Wesley to Portsmouth is accessible! MARIGOT to Portsmouth is accessible if u get a darn brave driver or u are OK with going to Portsmouth wet and dirty!

  2. Tony
    August 31, 2015

    Correction: Fond Canie to Trafalgar/Laudat jct was accessible by heavy equipment only from yesterday Sunday. However, for safety of motorists the road was kept close to vehicle traffic until mud on the steep hill was removed and the road washed allowing vehicles to use the road from early afternoon today.

    DOMLEC could then access upper Trafalgar to restore power and potentially interconnect the power station which they were still working on after 7:00 when I passed.

    Unfortunately it is not expected to have vehicular access into Laudat before Wednsday at the earliest.

  3. mrs dominica
    August 31, 2015

    let God do his will the country have been warned by men of god ;God said I will have mercy on who I will have mercy

  4. poisitivedominica
    August 31, 2015

    God bless dominica and the government,

  5. Patricia Willis
    August 31, 2015

    I am an English woman and I have spent so much time in your beautiful country. I lived in Grandbay with Mano Alexander.I am devastated by what has happened to Dominica .I am praying for everyone here In England God Bless you all stand strong God be with you xxx

  6. ArAb
    August 31, 2015

    My heart and more is there with my country and our people. I listened to the radio and initially politics was not brought into this disaster but then that changed. I ask my fellow Dominicans to please let us stay united and leave politics behind. If I had info (bef) on the PM or Lenox what good would it do to add it to the thoughts of our people. This is hard and I know in times of hardship we place blame but this is the time to stand strong. We will talk politics down the road when we can smile and see our country back on her feet. At that point ‘if’ errors were made by any politician, then should we begin the talk. Now let us try to find the good in all as we stand as one. Thanks

  7. zandra phillips
    August 31, 2015

    My country is hurting and so am I for the many in disress. However, when did we stop living in towns, villages and communities. Seems we now live in constituencies. Too much politics in beautiful Dominica.
    Perhaps God wants us to get together. If we all now live in constituencies, perhaps we should say ten votes are dead and ten votes are missing. Let us forget politics and get together to rebuild our country.
    God does not categorise us by colour, we are all His children.

  8. Oh La La
    August 31, 2015

    I say a special prayer for the Prime Minister. This is an overwhelming task, and we must all pray for him to stay strong and calm to lead this country in this difficult time.

  9. Oh La La
    August 31, 2015

    I feel so very very sad for the people of Petite Savanne. They have lost families, and friends. The village will never be the same again, our country has changed; and it will certainly bring our people in a more united force. God is merciful and wonderful; and time, love and unity will bring Dominica back.

  10. concerned
    August 31, 2015

    Dear Dominica,
    I continue to uphold you in prayer because I am confident God will come through for his people. My heart grieves when I see all these people standing at the water’s edge waiting to be rescued. My heart grieves to hear individuals’ names being called over the radio advising them make their way to Roseau for dialysis treatment. never mind their medical condition being broadcast-ed on live radio without their consent, but being asked to navigate a treacherous terrain despite poor health conditions. My point: we just had a medical hospital from USA visit. Even Charles Savarin had eye surgery on this ship.
    1. Why in the world can’t we call this ship back to help in this crisis.
    2.Why can’t we call USA to provide help with this National disaster. They were there immediately after hurricane David
    Are we too proud to acknowledge China and Venezuela are not coming through as they should.
    I am concerned, saddened angry

  11. I, Me, & I First
    August 31, 2015

    OMG, what a mess! Glad for those that have evacuated and hope many more will be put in a safe place. Maybe it’s a good time to hold back the land in Cabrits that was air marked for the hotel because we need new homes for the people of Pitite Savanne.

    Here is a quote from Skerrit during his address: “You can imagine what hell it has been for me…” So you mean Skerrit had a taste of hel, where he sent us to? “Go to hell, go to hell, go to hell.” Let’s not send our people to hell because we might get there first.

  12. Anthony P. Ismael
    August 31, 2015

    This is a tremendous opportunity to rebuild even stronger than before. We have to review our building codes and the locations where people construct dwelling homes. I sincerely hope that once the dust is settled, we do not become complacent and return to business as usual. Petite Savanne saddens me. Let’s join hands and put Dominica back together.

  13. Lyn
    August 31, 2015

    Anyone in the New Jersey area who would like to contribute to our country can do so by dropping off dry goods, clothing, first aid necessities and also school supplies to the Redemption Tabernacle Pentecostal Church at 15 Gareis Street in Newark. On Saturday or call 9737990770. The church is pastored by Peter Piper from Dominica

  14. August 31, 2015

    We are praying for our Dominican country and communities as they rebuild their lives. May God be with you as you put the pieces back together again.

  15. grell
    August 31, 2015

    My god so sad,MY PEOPLE STOP THE BASHING OF OUR LEADER,GOD IS IN CONTROL,,THE OPPOSITION NEEDS TO JOIN WITH ALL AND GET OUR COUNTRY IS MOVING FORWARD.We are here in the US and have started the efforts,

    • The Real Facts
      September 1, 2015

      Grell, you have done a lot of that. I am surprised you now have a change of heart. Did it take a disaster to change you? Let us see in the future how much you have changed.

  16. August 31, 2015

    Dominicans please pray for one wnother and that we can move forward .Stop the negativity words have power to perform do not prophesy about your people and yourselves. When you digging a hole for others dig one for yourselves.
    I pray that the country gets back on its feet.

  17. Shameless
    August 31, 2015

    Some people may not like it and may feel this is not the time for it but this my people is the work of god the almighty. Not the imposter GOD politician. The country we all so love was taken over by evil doers within our mix and the father saw it fit for CLEANSING and in the process reminding us that he is still the god of all humanity.

    We cannot continue to treat those among us as gods deserving of the real god’s place even if we are aware of their very evil deeds. Men of the cloth cannot continue to watch evil in the face continue to turn their face for a few pieces of silver. Remember New Orleans (USA) and the 9th Ward area? God cleansed it in a similar way and even the corrupt, filthy, stealing mayor is now in prison. Sadly, the innocent and god fearing are caught up in this calamity.

    Take heed Dominicans, take heed because GOD is NOT asleep. God bless my country and help see us through. Hopefully lesson learned.

    Assertive, NEVER Aggressive! :twisted: :twisted:…

  18. uk resident
    August 31, 2015

    the only country on planet earth that will refuse help from the American is north Korea. why is a tiny Caribbean population
    70 thousand is so extremely shy of the U S A that is the question the people are asking.

  19. The Real Facts
    August 31, 2015

    When times are good and all is well, some people, Christians, tend to forget what Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us. It is a different matter when disaster strikes. We should always be a year-round people of “Love for one another.”
    As it is stated, Christmas is not only one day but all year round.

    Matthew 22:34-40 – The Greatest Commandment – “Teacher, which Commandment in the Law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the Greatest and First Commandment. “The Second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole Law and the Prophets depend on these Two Commandments.”

    It will take sometime, however, may God assist the efforts of restoring Dominica to normal.
    Jesus be praised! Thank You Lord!

  20. North east
    August 31, 2015

    The update that Portsmouth to Marigot is accessible is not totally true. Access ends at Melville Hall just before the backwall by the sea. Vehicles cannot continue on toward Marigot as the road is completely cut off.

  21. allisha
    August 30, 2015

    we all have to help each other and stand together for a better Dominica again.I must say this disaster has touched a lot of people in and out of the country,prayer is always a way of starting even if its hard.To all those who are suffering from the disaster hope all is well and that you guys is being attempted by someone. :cry: :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

  22. ok
    August 30, 2015

    Okay. You tell me that Roseau to Marigot via Pont Casse and Territory is motorable. Then lower down I read that attempts are being made to have a temporary crossing at the Belles Bridge which was badly damaged and Pont Casse is inaccessible…..okay???

    • Heartfelt
      August 31, 2015

      It means that you go through Pond Case on to Kalinago Territory to get there.

    • Diaspora
      August 31, 2015

      Roseau thru Antrim, Springfield, Silvinia, Pond Casse Round About. Pond Casse Roundabout, Castle Bruce to Kalinago Territory. Kalinago Territory to Hatton Garden. Hatton Garden to Marigot. Is that so difficult for you to even comprehend? It was summarized in one line:

      “Roseau to Marigot via Pont Casse and the Kalinago Territory is motorable”

      PPle please read and understand before commenting.

    • Curious
      August 31, 2015

      Get a map and look at where the villages are before you comment please.

    • Jay prosper
      August 31, 2015

      To marigot through castle Bruce and the Carib territory. Not through belles.

    • A. George
      August 31, 2015

      thats an error. its Roseau to Possie to Woodfordhill to Marigot to Kalinago. Belles is being worked on today. They suffered landslides.

    • ras
      August 31, 2015

      Ok, you need to look at a map of Dominica! The PM is correct. The Belles bridge is on the Nicholas Liverpool Highway between Pond Casse and Belles leading to Deux Branches and Marigot! However from Pond Cassse one can travel towards Castle Bruce and Kalinago Territory on to Pagua and on to Marigot!

    • Wacko
      August 31, 2015

      Well, you can pass through Pond Casse and through Castle Bruce and the Carib Territory to get to Marigot

  23. Desmond
    August 30, 2015

    I am in prayers for Dominica my Country of birth, I am placing the PM and Government before the thrown of grace for assistance favors strength and provision. I just hope the opposition will find it in their heart to stop their unending campaign and show what they are made of in times like this for the sake of Nation building. No tearing down can get that this so its time to build and not divide, time to strengthen and not weaken each other. The party’s may be around but the Country is broken and we must all contribute to fixing it.

    • Dog eat Cat
      August 31, 2015

      Desmond, why do you single out the opposition in your comment…by doing just that you have created a bias instead of taking a neutral stance. I agree that all need to be part of the rebuilding effort but it is factual to say that both sides are politicking,
      AS DOMINICANS, WE NEED TO PUT COLOURS ASIDE IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES AND START THE REBUILTING PROCESS.
      WE CAN ONLY GO FORWARD THROUGH UNITY!!!!

    • The Real Facts
      August 31, 2015

      “God’s Throne of Grace”

    • Papa Dom
      August 31, 2015

      Why do children of satan like you always have to bring God into your foolishness? Already you have to start on the opposition which shows just how dishonest and delusional you really are.

    • Just my two cents
      August 31, 2015

      True. U should hear their supporters on Q95fm. They have no conscience… even in times like these, criticism of the PM is their only contribution. They are the ones who are causing foreigners to think twice about assisting because by just listening, if I was not a born and bred Dominican, I would think that we have a d…. a…. as a prime minister and we as Dominicans are just foolish, lazy people. In their eyes, he cannot do right and then they claim they love Dominica. This negativity needs to stop. Dominicans are not learning the lessons that God is trying to teach.

    • TrueToDA
      August 31, 2015

      How contradictory! Your second sentence is one of division and at the same time asking to alleviate division? Why not just pray if you are praying?

    • a' le sort Desmond
      August 31, 2015

      Desmond we will forgive ur ignorance .U have to be out of the loop.
      It is clear to all & sundry all sides have been working together.
      SoU are now another Gov’t or opposition in ur own world.

    • gadzby
      August 31, 2015

      Have you been listening to your radio? I wonder who has really been doing the campaigning??

    • August 31, 2015

      Desmond, God is against evil, these two does not go hand in hand, last year your PM joined the demonic cult, he was ordained days before he announce the election, God is not mocked and cannot be fooled, the election demons are at work in your island, when we forget God Satan will rule and sin will cover the land and sea, your PM cult ordained is whar hurting your island today period

      • meme
        September 1, 2015

        Stop playing God. Judge not that you might not be judge. Let freedom reign in our land and let’s work together for the betterment of our country.

        Put your ill feelings aside and let us do what is best for Dominica. STOP the cursing and fighting.

        Pray for the healing of our land.

    • Pretty
      August 31, 2015

      @ Desmond, in a time like this if you cannot say something good shut your mouth….You truly believe God heard your prayers? I don’t think so, Your prayer is too bias and not sincere….Go back on your knees and pray again…..

    • Donald
      August 31, 2015

      easy fix all should come together for the betterment of da and get rid of all of the parties and support the prime minister he does have a great vision for his/our country only if he has the support of all his people in dominica. in times of devestation people should open their eyes to see the hand of god on our lives, inspite of our wickedness he still sheds his grace upon his people hoping we will wake up., depend on the lord and not man for with god all things are possible and with man we fall short. onelove…….

  24. miguel
    August 30, 2015

    Dominica oh Dominica a nation so strong an proud stand tall an hold firm your voices are heard from near an far sing your sounds with your hands raise high isle of beauty isle of splendor isle to all so sweet and fair,

All must surely gaze in wonder,
At thy gifts so rich and rare,
Rivers, valleys,hills and mountains,
All these gifts we do extol,
Healthy lands so like all fountains,
Giving cheer that warms the soul.

    Dominica,God hath blest thee,
With a clime benign and bright,Pastures green
    and flow’rs of Beauty,Filling all with pure delight,
And a people strong and Healthy,
Full of Godly reverent fear,
May we ever seek to praise Thee,
For these gifts so rich and rare.

    Come ye forward,sons and daughters,
Of this Gem beyond compare,
Strive for honor sons and daughters,
Do the right be firm be fair,
Toil with the hearts and hands and voices,
We must prosper!Sound the call,
In which everyone rejoices,
All for Each and Each for All”.
May god continue to bless and keep you all we…

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