CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) has made a payment of EC$6.5 million (approximately US$2.4 million), the maximum payable under the policy, to the Government of Dominica under the Facility’s Excess Rainfall Programme – as a result of rains that occurred during Tropical Storm Erika on August 27.
CCRIF will also, following consultation with the Government of Dominica, provide additional financial assistance under its Technical Assistance Programme, for specific rebuilding projects.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) (reports that the Canefield Airport near the capital of Roseau recorded 12.64 inches of rain in a 12-hour period on August 27. This resulted in severe flooding and landslides leading to the deaths of approximately 30 persons and causing widespread structural damage.
Dominica is one of 12 member countries that purchased excess rainfall coverage this year; representing an increase of four over the eight countries that purchased excess rainfall policies for the first time last year. Excess rainfall coverage complements the country’s hurricane (tropical cyclone) insurance which is based on damages caused by wind and storm surge.
This is the second payout that the Government of Dominica will receive from CCRIF – in 2007, a payout was made under Dominica’s earthquake policy for a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred in November of that year. Collectively, these policies for hurricanes, excess rainfall and earthquakes are part of the country’s comprehensive disaster management programme.
CCRIF CEO, Mr. Isaac Anthony stated: “The CCRIF Board and Team wish to express our condolences to the people of Dominica for the loss of life and disruption of livelihoods and we offer our support as you implement your recovery and rehabilitation activities. We are hopeful that the funds received from CCRIF will provide immediate liquidity to address your most urgent needs.”