The Government of Dominica will launch urgent dredging operations in Calibishie next week after a series of destructive floods and landslides severely affected the northeast coastal community. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed the decision during a public update this week, noting that the Ministry of Public Works will be mobilizing resources for the operation.
Prime Minister Skerrit outlined the government’s immediate response measures. “We have done a number of dredging in the Kalinago Territory and Castle Bruce and other parts of Dominica,” he said. “And so, it is just a matter of moving the equipment to Calibishie and to commence the dredging there.”
Heavy rainfall in recent days triggered widespread damage to homes and roads, with some residents reportedly displaced or temporarily cut off. The Prime Minister noted that the pattern of rainfall affecting the island has shifted, stressing how short bursts of extreme weather have become more difficult to manage.
“We are seeing greater intensity of rainfall, very short periods, and the volume of rain in very short periods. And so, all of this is impacting our infrastructure,” he said.
As part of the follow-up actions, Skerrit has tasked the Ministry of Housing and Public Works with conducting house-to-house evaluations in the affected area.
I have instructed the Ministry to do an assessment of all the households individually, because while you have the general situation, there may be individual households who may have suffered different impacts and may require some interventions.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
Calibishie, a low-lying coastal village, has long faced exposure to landslides and river overflows, especially during the hurricane season. It’s a reminder that climate events deeply affect rural Dominica and that building resilient systems remains a national priority.
The Prime Minister’s remarks contribute to the broader national dialogue on disaster preparedness and climate planning. Although dredging addresses immediate risks, increasing attention is being given to long-term strategies, including relocation, better drainage systems, and improved river control, especially in areas frequently impacted by severe weather patterns.
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