International Coordination Meeting Emergency Operations Center NEOC - 7 November 2017

Update by Sector

Food Security WFP food deliveries were finalized on 1 November, prioritizing a total of 44 settlements and approximately 65 communities with blanket food distributions for 28,500 people with a 27 or 12-day ration. 6,984 households and 29,291 people had been reached in total of 3 November. WFP is supporting Government efforts to carry out a multi-sector damage and needs assessment (DANA),facilitating the work of the beneficiary selection committees. FAO has finalized the procurement of short-term vegetables seeds, which will benefit at least 3,000 farmers. Most of the vegetables will be able to reach the maturity stage within 40 days after planting.

Shelter & Collective Centres 45 collective centres are open across the country, the most vulnerable are staying in the centres. IOM finalized the second round of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) data collection on 1 November 2017. A strategy to support the voluntary return or relocation of people from schools used as collective centres, being discussed in the Cabinet. IOM has been monitoring the flow of people leaving Dominica since 19 October, gathering information from people using the ferry services. 25 per cent of respondents indicated that they will not return to Dominica and 22 per cent, that they are traveling in search of employment.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene 51,860 people regained access to their former water supply thanks to quick repairs of the water networks by DOWASCO. Water trucking by DOWASCO, Samaritan’s Purse and UNICEF continues in areas where networks remain non-operational, providing drinking water to more than 1,600 people per day. The Ministry of Education and DOWASCO, in partnership with UNICEF and IsraAID, have implemented the first phase of the reopening of schools. 27 schools have access to water through DOWASCO or water trucking.

Health 21 health facilities (43 per cent) are fully functional with staff at the facility and have available water and electricity; 19 (39 per cent) are partially functional providing limited services or operating out of alternative sites. The remaining 9 facilities (18 per cent) are non-functional. Most health facilities have a generator installed; however, challenges persist with fuel and capacity for 24/7 functioning. There is a dire need for reproductive health medicines and supplies; United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is supporting the Ministry of Health in this area.

Education & Protection 7 primary schools reopened during the week, joining 19 primary and secondary schools that initiated classes over the last 2 weeks. The total number of operational schools now is 48, including early childhood development centres. This represents 21 per cent of all educational facilities in the country. 48 temporary learning spaces have been established countrywide to date. 538 teachers and 2,805 children have received psychosocial support in schools, communities and child friendly spaces.

Logistics & Emergency Telecommunications WFP coordinated the dispatching of 573 metric tons of relief cargo from the Roseau seaport, which included both in-kind food and non-food items. Ericsson Response/Emergency.lu provided emergency telecommunications connectivity to 18 locations in Marigot and Roseau. The equipment in Marigot has been moved to Saint Sauveur, providing WiFi service in Grand Hope and Saint Sauveur towns. ETC partners supported a technical evaluation in order to provide coordinated connectivity coverage with the Ministry of Telecommunications in Boetica, Castle Bruce, Delices, Grand Fond, Good Hope, La Plaine, Riviere Cyrique, Rosalie, Salybia and Saint Sauveur.

Early Recovery Over 100 people from the public sector are taking part in the building damage assessments, including 9 in Kalinago Territory. Over 40 per cent of the assessors trained are women. A total of 28 teams are in the field. The revised Housing Standards to enhance earthquake/hurricane resistance, prepared by UNDP, Engineers Without Borders and Min of Planning, will be presented to cabinet for approval. Training and certification of builders and contractors to begin next Monday. UNDP support to the National Employment Program (NEP) to generate 10,000 workdays is awaiting final approval by PM to begin. Personal Protection kits have been pre-positioned.