On 29th August 1979 Hurricane David, reported to be one of the strongest hurricanes of this century, with winds that at times exceeded 250 km per hour, swept the island of Dominica. Hurricane David has been described as the most devastating hurricane in more than 150 years and was regarded as one of the most powerful hurricanes to have affected the Eastern Caribbean up to that time. The direct effects lasted approximately 12 hours, but the impact was felt for many years afterwards. There is general agreement that Dominica was not well prepared for this hurricane either politically or operationally. The island had achieved political independence only one year before and was in the throes of a political crisis that had seen the installation of an interim government.
The eye of the hurricane went straight over the island in a northwest to southwest direction. The population was caught unprepared although disaster warnings has been issued over regional broadcasting stations.
There were 56 deaths, strong winds levelled Dominica leaving 60,000 of the 80,000 persons homeless. 3000 were treated for injuries, the majority of which were in minor nature. When the hurricane had passed people were confronted with almost complete destruction of their island. Dominica, known as a green island had turned gray overnight with most trees broken and/or completely defoliated. The scene was one of complete desolation. What happened to nature also happened to homes, utilities and agriculture. Roads became impassable, homes were destroyed (most commonly the roof blown off), no electricity or running water was available or would be available for some time, pit latrines were destroyed, the telephone communication system had ceased to exist. 95 % of buildings were damaged or destroyed. 66 % of the population were initially left without food, water or electricity. Almost all schools were damaged or destroyed. There was also massive social dislocation including emigration.
The majority of crops as well as a large part of the livestock was destroyed. All of this was worsened by the heavy rains that usually follow a hurricane. Everyone and everything was soaking wet for several days. This included government offices, public buildings and their archives if they had not been destroyed. A national emergency was declared almost instantly by the government. The Dominican economy was almost totally destroyed resulting in disastrous social and economic effects. Coconuts in the south were almost completely blown down but there was minor damage in the north except for Concorde Valley, the alignment of which had funneled winds from the south. The citrus fruits appeared to have survived the hurricane owing to their small stature and robust nature. According to EMDAT the damage was estimated at $ 44,650,000 USD. Overall damage to the agricultural sector was estimated at EC $33million, more than 75 % of forests were damaged or destroyed. There were extensive landslides, but the area affected was not quantified, many hundreds were observed. Extensive damage to agricultural and forestry feeder roads. 75 % of fishing boats were destroyed. Damage was exacerbated one week later with Hurricane Frederick. There was extensive coastal erosion that was largely unassessed and unqualified. Frederick did not produce direct wind damage but disrupted relief activities after David and led to the loss through flood damage of some relief supplies in storage.
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