CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) has made a payment of EC$6.5 million (approximately US$2.4 million), the maximum payable under the policy, to the Government of Dominica under the Facility’s Excess Rainfall Programme – as a result of rains that occurred during Tropical Storm Erika on August 27, 2015.
CCRIF will also, following consultation with the Government of Dominica, provide additional financial assistance under its Technical Assistance Programme, for specific rebuilding projects.
Erika was the fifth named storm of this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season and maintained tropical storm status for its entire life cycle. The centre of the storm passed about 90 miles to the north of the Commonwealth of Dominica at its nearest point, producing significant rainfall across the island. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency reports that the Canefield Airport near the capital of Roseau recorded 12.64 inches of rain in a 12-hour period on August 27. This resulted in severe flooding and landslides leading to the deaths of approximately 30 persons and causing widespread structural damage.
Dominica is one of 12 member countries that purchased excess rainfall coverage this year; representing an increase of 4 over the 8 countries that purchased excess rainfall policies for the first time last year. Excess rainfall coverage complements the country’s hurricane (tropical cyclone) insurance which is based on damages caused by wind and storm surge.
This is the second payout that the Government of Dominica will receive from CCRIF – in 2007, a payout was made under Dominica’s earthquake policy for a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred in November of that year. Collectively, these policies for hurricanes, excess rainfall and earthquakes are part of the country’s comprehensive disaster management programme.
CCRIF CEO, Mr. Isaac Anthony stated, “The CCRIF Board and Team wish to express our condolences to the people of Dominica for the loss of life and disruption of livelihoods and we offer our support as you implement your recovery and rehabilitation activities. We are hopeful that the funds received from CCRIF will provide immediate liquidity to address your most urgent needs.”
Progressive minds. Way to go. But does that mean “more rain, more money?” I need some clarification
I wonder who persuaded the P.M. to buy rain insurance? *sips tea*
Dominicans I hope allu celebrating now that allu made the right decision during the last election. Because i know that you know that if the other party was in power none of what has happened over the last few weeks regarding progress after this disaster would have been possible. They would have gutted all programs, alienated all international partners and you know the rest no need to say more about that. I can only hope that this disaster though a dark cloud over the progress of the country has produced a silver lining of change, consciousness and togetherness for all Dominicans and Caribbean people alike.
Well done Mr. Prime Minister for having the vision and foresight to take out insurance! We cannot that you enough.
Looks like the government of Dominica had made a good investment in that coverage.
Good forward thinking!