02 May 2017 | 10:48 AM UTC
Dominican Republic: Major flooding and landslides
25 out of 32 provinces on alert due to risk of flooding and mudslides caused by torrential rains; transportation disruptions likely in affected areas
Event
The Dominican Republic has been gripped by devastating floods and mudslides over the past week, resulting in severe damage in some parts of the country, especially in the provinces of María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Sánchez Ramírez, Barahona, and San Cristobal. Nearly 15,000 people have been affected and more than 3000 houses have been damaged, in addition to 28 aqueducts, ten bridges, and nine motorways. Rescue operations are currently ongoing in affected provinces.
As of Wednesday, April 26, the Center for Emergency Operations (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia, COE) has issued red alerts (maximum level) for the provinces of María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Sánchez Ramírez, and San Cristóbal. Yellow alerts (preventive) are also in place for Espaillat, San José de Ocoa, Hermanas Mirabal, Peravia, Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, Azua, Barahona, Monte Plata, San Pedro Macorís, and el Gran Santo Domingo. Green alerts (informative) have been issued for La Romana, San Juan de la Maguana, La Altagracia, Elías Piña, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Hato Mayor, Samaná, El Seibo, and Dajabón. The risk of mudslides as well as flooding along rivers, streams, and other bodies of water remains high.
The National Meteorology Office forecasts unstable conditions across the country, with scattered showers continuing through Thursday, April 28, mainly across the central and southern portions of the country. Related transportation disruptions are to be anticipated.
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.
