The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) has taken its public education drive to the west coast, hosting a storm surge awareness session in Mahaut. The gathering formed part of the ODM's ongoing efforts to prepare communities for the hazards that accompany the Atlantic hurricane season, with a particular focus on coastal flooding caused by storm surge.
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of seawater generated by a storm, over and above the normal predicted astronomical tide. It is often the greatest threat to life and property during a hurricane, and low-lying coastal communities such as Mahaut are especially vulnerable. During the session, ODM officials walked residents through the science of storm surge, the warning signs to watch for, and the practical steps households should take before and during an event.
The session is part of a broader public-service campaign by the ODM, which has consistently urged Dominicans to treat the hurricane season with seriousness. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, and the ODM has repeatedly stressed that preparedness must begin well before a storm forms. Residents are encouraged to know their evacuation routes, secure loose outdoor items, and assemble emergency kits containing food, water, medication, and important documents.
Officials also reminded participants of the importance of heeding official warnings from the Dominica Meteorological Service and the ODM. The island uses a colour-coded vigilance system — green, yellow, orange, and red — to indicate the level of threat, and residents are advised to act accordingly at each stage. A yellow alert, for example, signals that conditions could become dangerous and that the public should monitor updates closely, while a red alert means the threat is imminent and life-saving action must be taken.
Mahaut, situated on the island's western coast between Roseau and Portsmouth, has a significant coastal frontage and a population that includes many families who live and work close to the sea. The ODM's choice of the community for this session reflects the need to tailor preparedness messaging to the specific risks faced by different parts of the Nature Isle. Similar sessions have been held in other vulnerable areas, and the ODM has indicated that community engagement remains a central pillar of its disaster risk reduction strategy.
The ODM's work is particularly important given Dominica's history with powerful storms. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused widespread devastation across the island, and the experience reshaped the country's approach to disaster management. Since then, the government and the ODM have invested heavily in resilience, including stronger building codes, improved early warning systems, and community-based preparedness programmes. The Mahaut session is a continuation of that effort, aimed at ensuring that the lessons of the past translate into concrete action at the household level.
Residents who were unable to attend the session are encouraged to contact the ODM directly for information on storm surge and other hurricane hazards. The ODM also publishes regular updates and advisories through official channels, and the public is urged to rely on these sources rather than unverified information on social media. As the season progresses, the ODM will continue to monitor the Atlantic and keep the public informed of any developing systems.
