标签： Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is bracing for the intensified impact of Hurricane Melissa, with heavy rainfall expected to persist through the weekend, particularly along the southern coast, Barahona province, and surrounding regions. President Luis Abinader has declared the suspension of work in 12 provinces under red alert to mitigate risks to life and property. The decision follows a high-level meeting with Vice President Raquel Peña and emergency officials to coordinate preventive measures and ensure public safety. The Emergency Operations Center (COE), led by Director Juan Manuel Méndez, will reassess the situation on Saturday morning. President Abinader emphasized the prolonged nature of the storm, stating that it is one of the longest-lasting weather events to affect the country in recent history. He assured that all state institutions are mobilized to safeguard vulnerable areas and expedite the return to normalcy. Meteorologist Gloria Ceballos of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) warned that Melissa’s trajectory could shift westward, bringing its cloud cover closer to the southern coast. Authorities have issued advisories against crossing swollen rivers and streams, using bathing facilities, and urged residents to seek shelter if necessary. Emergency shelters have been established in San Juan, San Cristóbal, and the National District, accommodating 61 individuals. While most public and private sectors remain closed, essential services such as pharmacies, supermarkets, fuel stations, and transportation will continue operating to ensure access to vital supplies. A total of 26 provinces are under alert: 12 in red, 11 in yellow, and three in green, reflecting varying levels of anticipated damage.

The National Police of Santo Domingo has launched a manhunt for Hancer Manuel Lantigua Pérez, alias “La Bolanta” or “El Gatillero,” following a violent shooting incident during an illegal street party. The event, which took place on the night of October 23 in the Los Pinos sector of Hainamosa, occurred amidst heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Melissa. The suspect allegedly fired multiple shots, injuring six individuals during a heated argument at the gathering. The victims, identified as Rosa Arelis Tejada Tavárez (40), Amanda María Peña Carvajal (28), Perla Maciel Calderón Ramírez (24), Jesús Manuel Gómez López (27), Sixto Lorenzo Batista Espinal (38), and Ricauy Lebrón Montero (38), sustained gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies. Authorities recovered six 9-millimeter shell casings and two bullets from the scene, which are being analyzed by the Scientific Police. The Central Directorate of Investigation (Dicrim), in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, is working to uncover the full details of the incident and apprehend the suspect, who remains at large. The National Police has urged “La Bolanta” to surrender and face the charges against him.

In response to the intensifying Tropical Storm Melissa, the Government has confirmed that all necessary measures are fully operational. Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), announced that a comprehensive review of the current restrictions on work and education schedules will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. This review will be conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Meteorology (Indomet).

Méndez emphasized that the focus will be on assessing the situation in Greater Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, and La Romana. Depending on the findings, alert levels may be reduced to facilitate a return to normalcy in these areas. The announcement was made during a press conference at the National Palace, presided over by President Luis Abinader.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Melissa continues to exhibit erratic behavior, moving at a sluggish pace of just 4 kilometers per hour. Gloria Ceballos, Director of Indomet, warned that the storm is on the verge of escalating into a hurricane. ‘Melissa has been following unpredictable trajectories,’ Ceballos noted. ‘Earlier today, it shifted east/southeast, with wind speeds increasing to 100 kilometers per hour. This indicates that the storm is organizing itself into a hurricane.’

Ceballos further projected that Melissa is expected to move northward before turning westward, potentially approaching the Haitian peninsula. Authorities remain vigilant as they monitor the storm’s progression and its potential impact on the region.

Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader took charge this Friday, overseeing the extensive packaging of raw food rations by the Directorate of Social Assistance and Community Food (DASAC), previously known as the Social Plan. These essential supplies are destined for provinces and communities devastated by Tropical Storm Melissa. The president’s visit highlighted the government’s swift response to the crisis, ensuring aid reaches those most in need. Innovative methods, including drone deliveries, are being employed to access areas isolated by bridge collapses or severe flooding. During his inspection, President Abinader observed the meticulous selection and packaging of basic necessities such as rice, salt, oil, sugar, milk, beans, sardines, macadamia nuts, oats, and coffee. These items will be distributed to affected families to alleviate their immediate hardships. Additionally, cooked meals will be provided through Economic Dining Halls and mobile kitchens, ensuring sustained support. Beyond food supplies, the president also reviewed the preparation of other critical relief items, including blankets, mosquito nets, and household goods, designed to help families recover from the storm’s impact. Accompanied by DASAC Director Edgar Augusto Félix Méndez, Santo Domingo Este Mayor Dío Astacio, and Social Policy Cabinet Coordinator Tony Peña Guaba, President Abinader toured the DASAC warehouses, witnessing the collaborative efforts of hundreds of workers. His visit underscores the government’s commitment to efficient and effective disaster response. Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued red alerts for the National District and multiple provinces, including Santo Domingo, Monte Plata, and La Romana, while yellow and green alerts remain in place for other regions.

In response to the escalating threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Republic has enacted stringent operational restrictions across multiple sectors. The National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES) has confirmed that restaurants in provinces under red alert will be limited to delivery services only, with dine-in facilities closed to the public. This decision follows directives issued by the Ministry of Labor aimed at ensuring public safety during the storm. Additionally, shopping malls will only permit the operation of essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and commercial banks, while all other businesses must remain shuttered until weather conditions stabilize. Government authorities have underscored the critical importance of adhering to these measures, reiterating that safeguarding human life is their foremost priority. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to stay updated through official channels, including the Emergency Operations Center (COE), as the nation continues to grapple with the storm’s impact.

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense (MIDE) has declared a state of maximum alert for the nation’s Armed Forces in response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa. Specialized military units have been strategically positioned to execute search and rescue operations, evacuations, and humanitarian missions across the country. In close collaboration with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), rapid response teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Specialized Corps for Security and Disaster Mitigation (CESMED) have been activated to safeguard lives and assist communities grappling with torrential rains and powerful winds. All military personnel remain on standby, prepared to deploy swiftly to areas most vulnerable to the storm’s impact. The Dominican Air Force has also mobilized its air fleet, which includes AgustaWestland AW169, Bell UH-1H II, OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, and CASA C-212 aircraft. These assets are equipped to conduct rescue missions, medical evacuations, and humanitarian transport, even under challenging weather conditions.

The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in New Jersey has unveiled plans for a Mobile Operation scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event will take place at the Hudson Multipurpose Building, located at 515 54th St., West New York, NJ 07093, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This initiative is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of consular services to Dominican nationals residing in the United States. Services will include passport issuance and renewal, affidavits, citizenship procedures, notarial certificates, translations, apostilles, contracts, consular IDs, and access to SENASA insurance. Consul José Santana highlighted the operation’s goal of making consular services more accessible to the Dominican diaspora, ensuring efficient, transparent, and reliable document processing. This effort is part of the consulate’s broader strategy to provide practical and secure solutions for Dominicans living abroad, reinforcing its commitment to supporting its citizens in the U.S.