BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Police Force of the Commonwealth of Dominica has reported that 27 people were confirmed dead as of today (Sept. 25), with many more said to be missing since the passage of Hurricane Maria.
Officials have been working around the clock to access communities on the island which have been impassable due to downed trees and other debris.
At a press conference this morning in Roseau, law enforcement officials gave media operatives an update on recovery efforts and security plans for the islands – while Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit provided an update on his trips and plans.
Dominica’s Chief of Police, Daniel Carbon disclosed that the Police Force has confirmed 27 deaths and 27 people gone missing, as well as 18 more suspected to be missing.
On behalf of the Police Force, Carbon expressed sympathy to the families that lost loved one due to the passage of the Category 5 hurricanes, which devastated the island.
Reports point to severe destruction to Dominica, with the hospital losing its roof, a damaged prison, homes torn down, uprooted and flooding in some areas of the island.
With food being scarce and the Caribbean region mobilizing to send relief and other supplies to the island to assist victims, there were multiple reports of looting in several sections of the capital Roseau.
Shortly after the passage of the storm, it was said that youths were seen rummaging businesses not only for food, but also other non-essential items.
Carbon however noted that the police have put a halt to the looting, which was perpetrated by mobs of young boys and girls.
“I can report that after the passage of Hurricane Maria, we have had massive looting. Several business places in Roseau and, to a lesser extent, some of the businesses in Portsmouth had looting.”
Safety and security around the capital and other sections of the island has been beefed up, as law enforcement officials from around the region and the Regional Security System (RSS) are currently in Roseau.
According to Carbon, the forces are providing security service at the Deep Water Harbour, Customs House, Air Transport and several other areas.
Giving further details, the Police Chief stated that 40 people were arrested for criminal offences committed during and after the passage of the hurricane, and 86 more were arrested for curfew violation.
Following the landfall of Hurricane Maria, the island was and still is under a 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. curfew.
Carbon also disclosed that there was a jailbreak on the island.
“I must tell you also that overnight we had a breakout of the prison of four prisoners. Three of them were on remand and one was serving a term. We have captured two so far; they were encountered last night. Two of them were shot and are now undergoing treatment at the Princess Margaret Hospital…”
According to the Chief Carbon, the police were challenged in dealing with search and recovery, as well as maintaining law and order in the country.
