02 May 2017 | 10:48 AM UTC
Dominican Republic: Ongoing risk of flooding and landslides /update 1
Risk of flooding and/or landslides in much of the country as of Tuesday, May 2
Event
Major flooding continues to affect much of the Dominican Republic. As of Tuesday, May 2, more than 14,000 people remain displaced from their homes and 77 communities are cut off from the rest of the country due to flooded roads and washed out bridges. Nationwide, at least 14 bridges and 24 roadways have been damaged, along with 34 aqueducts and nearly 3000 homes.
As of early Tuesday, “red” alerts (the highest level) for flooding and landslide, issued by the Center for Emergency Operations (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia, COE), are in effect for the provinces of Duarte and San Cristóbal. Lesser yellow and green alerts are in effect for 22 other provinces (out of a total of 31).
The risk of flooding along rivers, streams, and
other bodies of water is high in both urban and rural areas. All sporting
and hiking in mountainous areas is prohibited in provinces under alert due to
the risk of mudslides.
Advice
Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow weather reports, to be prepared for transportation disruptions, and to 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.
