March 7, 2012 No. 12/12-BD DOMINICA TO RECEIVE DISASTER REHABILITATION AND REConstruction LOAN FROM CDB The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is to receive a loan equivalent to USD4.1 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and a grant equivalent to USD37,000. The loan financing is to assist in recovering from the impact of the passage of Tropical Storm Ophelia, and reduce risks associated with landslide and flood hazards in the Roseau Valley. The grant is for use by the Government in financing a monitoring and evaluation consultancy. Critical infrastructure is to be rehabilitated and reconstructed in accordance with specified international standards. The proposed works will reduce the vulnerability of the project sites and communities to future adverse weather-related events. On September 28, 2011, Dominica was impacted by torrential rainfall associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Flash flooding caused damage to critical infrastructure, further extending the damage previously caused by breaching of a dam on the Layou River on July 28, 2011. CDB assisted the Government of Dominica in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ophelia with an Immediate Response Loan in the amount of USD750,000, and an Emergency Relief Grant in the amount of USD160,000.