In his initial remarks early Tuesday, the minister said his greatest fear is news of serious injuries and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains on his mountainous island nation.
Skerrit said Maria's winds had swept away many roofs, including that on his own residence. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Maria made landfall in Dominica packing 160 mph/260 km/h winds.
'I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating ... indeed, mind-boggling,' Skerrit said in a Facebook post. 'My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.'
The minister expects airports and seaports to be inoperable for a few days and asked for help to secure helicopter services so he could get around the country to see what's needed.
'We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds,' Skerrit wrote.
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