Gonzalo: Rayburn Blackmore Advises People to Stock up on Essential Supplies

National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, has advised Dominicans to stock up on essential supplies in readiness for Tropical Storm Gonzalo. The gathering storm is projected to unleash a heavy deluge which may result in flooding and landslides across the island. Weather authorities said the storm may hit Dominica before Friday and adequate readiness is key to survive it.

According to Blackmoore, Dominicans should stock up on canned food and adequate water, and they should also carry out extensive inspection of their housing to be certain that it can withstand the rain. However, he added that hurricane shelters will be opened over the weekend in case people need to shelter from the storm.

He warned people to remain indoors in secure houses and to limit their movement over the weekend when the storm is expected to hit, adding that extreme caution should be applied before venturing out of the house. In case of sheltering together at home or some public facility, he warned people to be mindful of the fact that COVID-19 infection remains a possibility and so observe recommended health protocols.

At this time, we continue to assess and monitor the situation, and any further decision by the national emergency planning organization will be communicated to you via your local media. I’m therefore calling on all residents that as you go about conducting your activities over the weekend, do so with utmost caution and limit outdoor activities as much as possible. All residents must therefore move about cautiously and avoid areas that are known to be prone to floods such as coastal areas, waterways, ravines, and landslides. Please continue to listen to your local media for weather advisories and announcements.

Rayburn Blackmoore

Forming from the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gonzalo is reported to be on its way to the Lesser Antilles and may gather strength before hitting the Southern Windward Islands this weekend. Experts said it may become a Category 1 hurricane considering that it is moving at 65 mph with no visible signs of abating, senior weather forecaster Marshall Alexander said.

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