AMERICA/ANTILLES - Tropical Storm Erika: churches destroyed, displaced families, many children swept away by the waters

Saint John's (Agenzia Fides) - Tropical Storm Erika has hit the Caribbean in recent days, in particular the state of Dominica, causing death and devastation. People are missing, houses, bridges and roads have been destroyed, the airport is closed. It is not yet possible to make an overall assessment of the damage as several areas have been completely isolated. 80% of the Country and many of the churches have been destroyed. Father George Williams, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of the Antilles told Fides: "due to the damage suffered, many families in many villages have been displaced after their homes were washed away by the torrential rains. In addition there are many children who have been swept away by the waters".
The National Director of the PMS has received a list of essential goods indispensable for the survival of the population from the Diocese of Roseau. These include drinking water, non-perishable food, powdered milk and diapers for children, medicines, disinfectants, clothes, sheets and blankets. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 02/09/2015)