Hurricane Maria: 'I am at the complete mercy of the hurricane' Dominica Prime Minister says in haunting messages as storm devastates island

'Have mercy': Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
Facebook
Fiona Simpson19 September 2017

The Prime Minister of an island devastated by Hurricane Maria shared a series of frightening messages on Facebook as the storm hit the Caribbean saying: “I am at the complete mercy of the hurricane.”

The storm was downgraded to category four after it raged over Dominica ripping off roofs and threatening deadly landslides.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told more 30,000 Facebook followers that he “dare not look out” as Maria smashed into the tiny island.

A serious of haunting messages posted over eight hours described how the roof had been ripped from his official residence as the leader begged God for mercy.

Devastation: Hurricane Maria caused widespread flooding in Dominica

As Maria made landfall, he wrote: “We do not know what is happening outside. We not dare look out. All we are hearing is the sound of galvanize flying. The sound of the fury of the wind. As we pray for its end!”

Just minutes later he added: “Certainly no sleep for anyone in Dominica. I believe my residence may have sustained some damage.”

Before telling followers: “My roof is gone. I am at the complete mercy of the hurricane. House is flooding.”

'Catastrophic': Hurricane Maria inflicted 'mind-boggling devastation' on Dominica

The hurricane closely follows Hurricane Irma that claimed the lives of dozens of people last month.

Mr Skerritt said in a fresh post on Tuesday morning that the island had “lost all what money can buy and replace” in the wake of "mind-boggling devastation".

He said his own roof had sparked an “avalanche” of destruction as 160 mph winds “swept away” the roofs of almost everyone he had spoken to.

The Prime Minister shared fears that many had suffered “serious physical injury and possible deaths” as landslides threatened catastrophe on the island.

He wrote: “We will hit the road, as soon as the all clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.

“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating...indeed, mind boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.”

Mr Skerrit added that he believed the island's ports and airports would be inoperable for several days.

Hurricane Maria rages over the Caribbean
NOAA/PA

Puerto Rico looks set to suffer a “direct hit” as the storm rages over swathes of the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center said it looked likely Maria would intensify as it barrelled towards the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, St Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat.

A tropical storm warning was issued for Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Anguilla.

Forecasters said storm surge could raise water levels by 6 to 9 feet near the storm's centre.

Maria is predicted to bring 10 to 15 inches of rain across the islands, with more in isolated areas.

Hurricane Maria - In pictures

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