Earthquake shakes Dominica

[Yann]

Earthquake measuring 6.0 on Richter Scale shakes Dominica

By CDERA
Nov 21, 2004, 09:49 am


ISSUED BY: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency
DATE: Sunday November 21, 2004
TIME: 9:27 AM Eastern Caribbean Time

Information Note #1: Earthquake shakes Dominica


An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale has shook Dominica.  

Initial information from the Emergency Office in Roseau is that the earthquake has affected the northern town of Portsmouth where a the Roman Catholic & the Methodist churches were damaged. Search and Rescue has been deployed but access is difficult as the area is cut off by heavy rains and landslides which occurred this past week. (The landslides cut off Grand Fonds to the north with a population of 500).

CDERA is liaising with the Dominica National Emergency Planing Office (NEPO) and will provide situation reports as requested. Updated information will be posted at http://www.cdera.org as it becomes available.

Additional information on the earthquake and general information on earthquakes can be accessed via the website of the Seismic  Research Unit at http://www.uwiseismic.com/.


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RICHTER 6.0 DEFINED
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The earthquake was felt across the island but the northwestern section of the island experienced the greatest intensity according to initial reports.

Earthquakes between 6.1 and 6.9 can be destructive in areas up to about 100 kilometers across where people live.

http://www.cdera.org/cunews/publish/article_738.shtml

[Yann]

Communities remain cutoff after Dominica Earthquake
By CDERA
Nov 22, 2004, 12:00 pm


Barbados, Nov 22, 2004 (CDERA) – The National Emergency Planning Office in Dominica met this morning to review the extent of damage and determine the nature of assistance required in the aftermath of the quake which shook the island early Sunday morning. Mr. Cecil Shillingford, National Disaster Coordinator has reported that their primary concern at the moment is getting access to and relief supplies into Grand Fonds, Good Hope and Petit Soufriere three communities that remain inaccessible since the earthquake. Engineering support is also required to conduct technical assessment of buildings, roads and areas affected by landslides.

On Sunday November 21, 2004 at 7.41am Dominica was struck by a moderate Earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 10km north of Dominica. The preliminary location for the event was 15.77°N 61.44°W. A strong aftershock followed at 09.36am. The quake was also felt in Antigua & Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The Northern Section of Dominica primarily the Portsmouth District was severely affected by the quake which caused serious structural damage.  Access to the area has been hampered due to blocked roads leading into Portsmouth. This has been as a result of mudslides from the heavy rains which having been impacting the island since last week. Approximately 1500 persons in the communities of Petit Soufriere, Grand Fonds and Good Hope remain inaccessible and 25 persons are in shelters in Portsmouth.

Meanwhile the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency Coordinating Unit has been making arrangements in response to the country emergency.  CDERA’s Preparedness and Response Manager, Mr. Donovan Gentles is scheduled to hold discussions with Emergency Officials in Dominica tomorrow. Two Japanese experts with the Caribbean Disaster Management Project (CADM) are scheduled to arrive in Dominica also on November 23, to begin assessing debris flows resulting from the mudslides.  

CDERA has also secured the support of the University of the West Indies who will send two engineers to assist structural damage assessments. CDERA in collaboration with USAID/OFDA and the Regional Security Systems (RSS/CLO) are finalizing arrangements for accessing helicopter support for Dominica.

The Eastern Caribbean Donor Group (ECDG) will meet this afternoon to discuss response strategies and appropriate support.


http://www.cdera.org/cunews/publish/article_739.shtml