标签： Dominican Republic

Torrential downpours swept across much of the national territory yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. According to the latest report from the Emergency Operations Center (COE), 511 homes were damaged, 2,555 people were displaced, and 26 individuals sought shelter. The severe weather also isolated 11 communities, damaged three roads, and caused equal harm to bridges. Additionally, 32 aqueducts were impacted, with 31 completely out of service, affecting approximately 602,666 users. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) predicts that the rains will persist throughout the weekend, particularly in the southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest regions, driven by an active tropical wave. These conditions will be accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, especially along the Caribbean coast. Temperatures are expected to remain slightly warm, ranging from 21°C to 28°C. The COE has issued alerts for 30 provinces, warning of potential flooding in rivers, streams, and urban areas. Red alerts are in place for Azua, San José de Ocoa, San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo, and the National District, while yellow alerts cover several other regions. Green alerts have been issued for Independencia, Elías Piña, Montecristi, and others. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, located 690 km northeast of the Leeward Islands, has intensified but poses no threat to the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) reported significant damage to road infrastructure due to overflowing rivers and urban flooding. In La Altagracia, streets were inundated, and 26 homes were flooded in Verón-Punta Cana. A fallen tree on the Higüey-Anamuyita highway disrupted traffic, though it was later cleared. In San Pedro de Macorís, urban flooding affected several neighborhoods, and the Soco River’s overflow isolated multiple communities. Tragically, a bridge collapse in Monte Plata resulted in one fatality. Landslides and road blockages were reported in Los Cacaos de San Cristóbal, while 160 homes were flooded in Azua, displacing 774 people. In San José de Ocoa, trucks carrying vegetables were stranded due to a landslide, and flooding in Pedernales, Jimaní, and La Descubierta damaged crops. Santiago also experienced widespread flooding in various neighborhoods.

The Dominican Republic is currently experiencing intense rainfall, driven by an active tropical wave and a low-lying trough, with forecasts predicting the downpour to persist until Saturday. Gloria Ceballos, director of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), provided updates on the situation, noting that preliminary reports indicate rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters (mm) in the southwest region within a 24-hour period. Additionally, provinces such as Enriquillo, Barahona, and Azua have recorded 146 mm of precipitation. Ceballos emphasized that data collection on rainfall accumulation from inland areas is ongoing. In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a series of safety guidelines for the public. These include seeking shelter in secure locations, properly disposing of trash to prevent blockages, securing loose items on balconies and windows, avoiding flooded streets, refraining from touching electrical poles or cables, driving cautiously with lights on, and steering clear of rivers and streams with high water volumes. The COE urges residents to adhere to these measures to mitigate risks during the rainy season.

The Dominican Republic is facing significant challenges as heavy rains, driven by an active tropical wave and a trough, have caused widespread flooding and displacement across several regions. According to the Emergency Operations Center (COE), 1,781 people have been forced to evacuate their homes. The municipal district of El Rosario in Azua province is among the hardest-hit areas, with the Tábara River overflowing and flooding approximately 160 houses, displacing 774 residents. The Civil Defense has established a shelter at the Liceo Gregorio Luperón, currently housing 26 individuals from nine families. La Altagracia has also reported 26 flooded residences, with urban flooding severely affecting areas like Veron, Bavaro, Cortesito, and Sabana de Los Martinez. In San Pedro de Macorís, malfunctioning drainage systems have led to flooding in multiple sectors, including Placer Bonito and Barrio Mexico. Additionally, the Soco River’s overflow has partially isolated several communities. Santiago has seen flooding in numerous sectors, with 150 houses partially submerged. The National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (Inapa) reported that 10 aqueducts are out of service, leaving 179,256 users without water. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has also noted damage to road infrastructures due to overflowing rivers and urban flooding. The COE has issued safety guidelines for residents, advising against crossing flooded areas, disposing of garbage properly, and driving cautiously during the ongoing crisis.

The Dominican Republic is grappling with a severe sargassum crisis, as vast quantities of the invasive seaweed have inundated its beaches, prompting widespread concern among citizens and environmental groups. Over the weekend, social media was flooded with images of popular coastal areas like Boca Chica, where once-clear waters have turned murky brown under layers of algae. This environmental disaster threatens not only the nation’s tourism industry but also local fishing communities and marine biodiversity.