Tropical Storm Erika may be weak, with sustained winds of just 50 miles per hour, but heavy rains from the storm have been wreaking havoc on Dominica, a tiny island of the Lesser Antilles on the Caribbean.
Powerful, slow-moving thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Erika caused damaging flooding in Dominica on Thursday, triggering landslides that have destroyed at least 20 homes. Authorities are looking for at least five missing people.
A video posted on Instagram Thursday morning shows the severity of the flash flooding, as floodwaters practically swallow a house while piercing screams are heard in the background.
Rp @sunKisskee State Of Emergency #HurricaneErika #Dominica God know why it wasn't a school day! #Island360 A video posted by Caribbean Full Circle (@island360) on Aug 27, 2015 at 6:02am PDT
Radar estimates showed that the island has received at least six inches of rain in six hours. "The situation is grim. It is dangerous," said Ian Pinard, Dominica's communications minister.
About 80% of the island was without electricity, and water supply was cut off, authorities said. The main airport was closed due to flooding. Acting Prime Minister Rayburn Blackmoore asked people to remain calm and stay indoors. "Do not go sightseeing," he said. "The situation is very dangerous."
At LEAST 6" of rain fell in Dominica in 6 hrs. Erika's rain will likely continue thru the day. http://t.co/axMON81Nb5 pic.twitter.com/fXbIcUHYKD— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) August 27, 2015
Other videos and images on social media show the dangerous conditions the less-than 200 square mile island is currently experiencing.
#Erika bringing heavy rain, flooding and mudslides delivering island wide problems to #Dominica. pic.twitter.com/XRZT4lyIUj— Richard Lewelling (@RLewelling) August 27, 2015
Please pray today for Dominica May I not be lukewarm today, but rather deeply committed to the principles I believe in. Who am I to be lazy when I have been called by God to greatness. May I not forget today the importance of the ground on which I stand. In Jesus' Name. Amen A Year Of Miracles - Marianne Williamson. I give thanks and I continue to pray . A photo posted by machelmontano (@machelmontano) on Aug 27, 2015 at 8:13am PDT
#Dominica #mycountry #storm #stormtrooper #erika #erica #hurricaneseason #hurricane #hurricanewatch #heavyrain #water #nbc6 #wsvn7 #abc #news #Dominica #tropical #tropicalstorm #iseenews #Miami #Fortlauderdale #Westpalmbeach #Kendall #Broward #Florida A video posted by #deeznuts4president (@hilroysamuel) on Aug 27, 2015 at 5:35am PDT
KFC in Dominica pic.twitter.com/PVwUQ3kupo— Steve-O (@Damian_0423) August 27, 2015
Pray for Dominica. pic.twitter.com/jV2RBe1IyW— Warren Sapp (@WarrenSapp) August 27, 2015
The center of Tropical Storm Erika jogged to the south on Thursday morning, which was unexpected. Because it is not tracking as far north as forecasters initially expected, reported the Washington Post, more rainfall is sweeping through islands such as Dominica, with the threat of more flooding.