The Dominican government has declared a suspension of work activities this Friday in multiple provinces placed under red alert due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Melissa. The storm has brought relentless heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to urge heightened vigilance. Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center, stressed the need for minute-by-minute monitoring, highlighting the heightened risks of flooding and landslides caused by already saturated soil. Provinces under red alert include La Romana, Barahona, San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo, the National District, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, Azua, Peravia, Pedernales, San Pedro de Macorís, and Monte Plata. Meanwhile, La Altagracia, home to the popular tourist destination Punta Cana, is under yellow alert, along with La Vega, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Samaná, Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, Elías Piña, Independencia, and Bahoruco. The government continues to emphasize the importance of public safety as the storm persists.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Brazil recognizes the Dominican Republic as a benchmark in traceability system implementation
The Dominican Republic has emerged as a global leader in combating illicit trade and adulterated alcohol, showcasing its innovative traceability and inspection system to the Brazilian Senate as a benchmark for public-private collaboration and sustainable success. This multifaceted strategy has achieved remarkable outcomes, including zero fatalities from adulterated alcohol, the confiscation of over 135 million illicit products, and a substantial decline in smuggling activities across the nation. Deputy Minister of Internal Trade Ramón Pérez Fermín, representing the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), presented these achievements to Brazil’s Senate Committee on Social Affairs. He emphasized the coordinated efforts of various Dominican institutions, such as Customs (DGA), Public Health, Pro Consumidor, Ceccom, the National Police, and the private sector through the Association of Industries (AIRD). Central to this success is the Traffico system, a digital traceability and fiscal control platform for alcohol and tobacco, developed by Sicpa and implemented by the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII). Each product is assigned a unique tax stamp with both visible and digital security features, enabling authorities and consumers to monitor its journey from production to sale. The ‘Revísame’ mobile app further empowers citizens to verify product authenticity through code scanning, fostering transparency and consumer safety. The World Bank has lauded this system as a global best practice, commending its integration of technology and institutional cooperation to combat tax evasion and safeguard consumers.
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Energy and Mines confirms Cormidom suspends mining in affected tunnel pending investigation
Santo Domingo – In response to a recent incident at the Cerro de Maimón mine, Cormidom has temporarily suspended operations in the affected tunnel, as announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. A comprehensive technical investigation is currently being conducted by specialists from the Ministry, the General Directorate of Mining (DGM), and the company itself. While activities in the damaged tunnel remain paused, general mining operations continue, with crews focusing on maintenance and structural reinforcement to adhere to national safety standards. The investigation commenced on Wednesday with a detailed inspection of the landslide area, where teams evaluated ground stability and reviewed corrective measures implemented by Cormidom. Authorities have pledged to release a full report upon completion of the root cause analysis. The Ministry praised Cormidom’s cooperation with authorities and emphasized its ongoing oversight of risk prevention and mitigation efforts. It also reaffirmed its dedication to mining safety, ensuring strict enforcement of technical protocols to safeguard workers and promote responsible mining practices nationwide.
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Tropical Storm Melissa leaves over a million without water in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has wreaked havoc across the nation. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) revealed that the storm has damaged 183 homes, displaced 915 individuals, and forced 61 people into emergency shelters. Additionally, 19 communities have been cut off due to the storm’s impact, while critical infrastructure has suffered significant damage. Over 1.1 million residents are currently without access to clean drinking water, exacerbating the crisis. The National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA) reported that 56 aqueducts were severely affected, with 53 completely non-operational and three partially functioning. This disruption has impacted more than 610,000 users. Furthermore, the CAASD suspended operations at the Isa Mana and Duey systems due to water turbidity, leaving an additional 405,000 residents in Santo Domingo Oeste, Pedro Brand, Los Alcarrizos, and parts of the National District without water. The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) has mobilized emergency teams to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and reopen blocked roads. Landslides have disrupted key routes, including the Cabrera–Loma Alta highway in María Trinidad Sánchez and the El Manaclar road in Peravia. Cleanup efforts are ongoing in Barahona, Pedernales, San Juan, Monte Plata, and Duarte. In Greater Santo Domingo, the overflow of Bonavides Creek caused severe flooding and landslides, damaging numerous homes. Neighborhoods such as Arroyo Hondo, Villas Agrícolas, Capotillo, and Herrera witnessed evacuations and structural damage. Similar conditions were reported in San Cristóbal, Barahona, and San José de Ocoa, where rising rivers have isolated several communities.
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Jamaica declares state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa
The Jamaican government has initiated a nationwide state of emergency in hospitals and ordered the closure of schools as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the Caribbean region. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that the storm could intensify into a hurricane over the weekend, posing significant risks to Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba. Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the suspension of elective surgeries and non-urgent hospital admissions to prioritize resources for potential storm-related emergencies. Families of stable patients have been urged to temporarily relocate them, while 702 healthcare professionals have been mobilized across the country to bolster emergency response efforts. The national emergency center has been fully activated in coordination with regional health authorities. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education has suspended all in-person classes in public and private institutions to ensure the safety of students and staff. According to the NHC, Melissa is currently located 345 km southeast of Kingston and 440 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, with sustained winds of 85 km/h and moving northwest at 7 km/h. The storm is expected to bring torrential rains, powerful winds, and hazardous coastal surges. In the Dominican Republic, over 647,000 people are without drinking water due to rainfall disrupting supply systems, while Haiti remains on high alert for flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
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Dajabón market under health checks to prevent cholera spread from Haiti
In response to a resurgence of cholera in Haiti, health authorities in the Dominican Republic have escalated surveillance and sanitary measures at the Dajabón border to curb the potential spread of the disease. Dr. Zaberkis Rodríguez, Provincial Health Director, outlined the comprehensive steps being taken to safeguard public health. Inspectors have been deployed to the Dominican-Haitian bridge, where they are enforcing stringent hygiene protocols, prohibiting the entry of cooked food from Haiti, and disseminating educational materials in both Spanish and Creole. Additionally, health teams are closely monitoring the binational market to ensure compliance with food safety and water sanitation standards. Dr. Rodríguez assured that hospitals in Dajabón are fully equipped with trained medical staff and necessary supplies to handle any potential cholera cases. Haiti has reported more than 270 suspected cholera infections and at least 17 fatalities, primarily concentrated in Port-au-Prince. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its partners have initiated emergency response efforts to address the deteriorating sanitary conditions. Dominican officials are urging citizens to maintain rigorous hygiene practices, disinfect water sources, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhea or dehydration arise.
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Civil Defense evacuates people from Santo Domingo boardwalk due to Storm Melissa effects
In response to the escalating threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Civil Defense has initiated extensive preventive measures along the Santo Domingo boardwalk. Early Thursday morning, operations were launched to ensure public safety by keeping citizens away from the hazardous seashore, where powerful waves continue to batter the Caribbean coast. The initiative, led by Deputy Director and Head of Operations Delfín Rodríguez and National District Director Alexander García, underscores the government’s commitment to minimizing risks and preventing potential loss of life. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of constant surveillance in coastal areas, urging residents to heed warnings and avoid vulnerable zones. Authorities have also called on the public to stay vigilant, refrain from approaching the coastline, and rely on official government updates for accurate information during this critical period.
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PCT urges UN to demand end to U.S. blockade against Cuba
In a bold move, the Communist Labor Party (PCT) of Santo Domingo has issued a fervent appeal to the United Nations (UN), urging the international body to take decisive and immediate action to end the longstanding economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba. The PCT’s official statement underscored the critical need for sustained international diplomatic efforts to dismantle the embargo, which has faced widespread condemnation in numerous UN General Assembly resolutions. Manuel Salazar, the PCT’s Secretary General, passionately declared that ‘Cuba is not alone,’ labeling the blockade as a blatant violation of international law and a severe infringement on the human rights of the Cuban people. Salazar further emphasized that the majority of nations recognize the detrimental impact of this unilateral policy. Reaffirming its steadfast solidarity with the Cuban people and government, the PCT called on the UN to implement more robust measures to protect Cuba’s sovereignty and foster its comprehensive social and economic development.
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11th Ibero-American Legal Academies Congress coming to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is set to host the XI Congress of the Legal Academies of Ibero-America from October 24 to 25, 2023. This significant event will bring together prominent legal minds and academics from across Latin America, including Dominican President Luis Abinader and Supreme Court President Henry Molina. Organized by the Permanent Conference of Ibero-American Legal Academies in collaboration with the Dominican and Puerto Rican Academies of Jurisprudence, the Congress will delve into critical legal and judicial issues. Key topics on the agenda include judicial efficiency, democracy, arbitration, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the legal profession. The academic program, curated by Flavio Darío Espinal, president of the Dominican Academy, features four panels and four thematic tables. These sessions will explore judicial independence, post-war international relations, and the challenges faced by emerging legal professionals. Supreme Court President Henry Molina will deliver a keynote address focusing on judicial efficiency and democracy, highlighting regional progress and obstacles in justice administration. The event will also feature distinguished jurists from Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, such as Silvia Carreño Coll, José Luis Seoane Spiegelberg, and Francisco Javier Gaxiola Fernández. The Congress will be broadcast live via Microjuris, Tirant Lo Blanch, and the National School of the Judiciary’s YouTube channels, ensuring widespread accessibility.
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Health Ministry urges preventive measures to avoid disease outbreaks amid Tropical Storm Melissa
In response to the ongoing threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Ministry of Public Health in Santo Domingo has issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing the need for stringent preventive measures to curb potential outbreaks of respiratory, diarrheal, and vector-borne diseases. The ministry highlighted that the heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the storm could create ideal conditions for the spread of illnesses such as influenza, dengue, leptospirosis, and acute diarrheal infections. ‘Families play a crucial role in safeguarding their health during such times. Simple yet effective actions like ensuring clean water, covering food, and maintaining personal hygiene can make a significant difference,’ the ministry stated. Key recommendations include purifying water by adding five drops of chlorine per gallon or boiling it before use, thoroughly washing fruits, vegetables, and kitchen utensils, avoiding contact with stagnant water or bathing in the rain, and frequent handwashing with soap and water, particularly before handling food.