The layout-Carholm Landslides represent a complex series of landslides that achieved climatic proportions in 1997 and remain a hazard today. The Layou River is one of the largest watersheds in Dominica and drains about 10 % of the land.

The small community of Good Hope, on the east coast of nestles along a narrow valley

Maria made landfall on Dominica as a Category 5 Hurricane on September 18th with estimated winds of 160MPH. The hurricane force resulted in intense storm surges, torrential downpour, overflowing raging rivers, and extremely high winds across the island. As the hurricane passed over the center of the island, Dominica was exposed to extraordinary winds for more than three hours. This was accompanied by intense rainfall, which provoked flashfloods and landslides.