Hispaniola: Heavy rains forecast until Nov. 18

Event

Heavy rains and violent surf are forecast for the island of Hispaniola - i.e. the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic - through Saturday, November 18.

According to the Haitian weather service UHM, the departments of Artibonite, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Grande'Anse, Sud, and Ouest - home to the capital Port-au-Prince - will be the hardest hit. People in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides are being advised to remain vigilant in the coming days.

As of November 16, flood and landslide alerts issued by the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) are in place for much of the country. Yellow alerts - indicating a medium-level risk - are in place in the southwestern provinces of Pedernales and Barahona. Lower green alerts are in effect in 14 other western and central provinces.

Context

The area has been hit by frequent rain storms since late October.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.