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.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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The damage caused by the rains in the Dominican Republic
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.
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What measures are hospitals taking to deal with the effects of the tropical wave?
The National Health Service (NHS) announced on Friday that public hospitals across the country have been fortified as a proactive response to the ongoing tropical wave, which has been causing persistent rainfall nationwide. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality healthcare for the population during this period of heightened weather activity. Yocasta Lara, Director of SNS Hospital Centers, detailed that Emergency and Disaster Committees have been activated in hospitals under the Regional Health Services of Ozama, Valdesia, and El Valle, in alignment with the latest weather advisories. Health centers are intensifying their prevention and preparedness measures, which include thorough cleaning and maintenance of infrastructure, as well as the provision of essential medications, supplies, water, and cleaning materials. Additionally, security has been enhanced in emergency zones, with comprehensive inspections of power plants, water and fuel reservoirs, and the protection of critical medical equipment, computers, and documents. Hospital directors in the affected regions have been directed to commence medical shifts at 2:00 p.m. today. These concerted efforts underscore the NHS’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health, particularly during adverse atmospheric conditions that could pose significant health risks.
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Paracetamol does not cause autism, says expert
Santo Domingo – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially stated that there is no scientific evidence connecting the use of paracetamol during pregnancy to autism in children. This declaration comes in response to recent assertions made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocated for limiting the use of Tylenol (a brand of paracetamol) among pregnant women and newborns. The WHO’s stance aims to dispel misinformation and reassure the public about the safety of this widely used medication. Dr. Rafael Montero, a public health specialist, strongly criticized Trump’s comments during an interview on Esto No Tiene Nombre, labeling them as baseless and unsupported by scientific research. Montero explained that paracetamol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, has been safely utilized for decades with no evidence linking it to autism spectrum disorder. He attributed the increase in autism diagnoses to enhanced detection methods and greater public awareness rather than medication use. Montero also pointed out that Trump had misinterpreted a Johns Hopkins meta-analysis, presenting it as conclusive evidence when it was not. Additionally, he questioned Trump’s focus on the Tylenol brand instead of the active compound, deeming it inappropriate. Montero emphasized the importance of patients consulting their healthcare providers for medical advice, a position echoed by the Dominican Society of Gynecologists, which reaffirmed the safety of acetaminophen when prescribed.
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Dominican Founders Abroad: We don’t just pitch, we export power
Dominican startups have long been active participants in regional pitch events across Latin America, from Bogotá to Antigua. While these platforms have provided visibility, they have also perpetuated a narrative of Dominican entrepreneurs as guests rather than leaders in the innovation economy. However, a new wave of Dominican ventures is redefining this dynamic, focusing on leverage, infrastructure, and long-term exportability rather than mere visibility.
Take Extinguisher360, a Dominican startup co-founded by Jonathan Bournigal-Read, which recently earned a spot at Guatemala’s Volcano Summit’s Startup Avenue. While such achievements are commendable, the emerging class of Dominican entrepreneurs is charting a different course. These founders are not just seeking applause; they are architecting systems designed to attract capital, shape policy, and influence markets.
The traditional pitch circuit, while valuable, has become a treadmill—a system that often filters rather than funds, extracts novelty rather than elevates innovation, and trains startups to seek approval abroad rather than build local ecosystems. This approach, akin to outsourcing, does little to foster sovereign economies.
The future of Dominican tech lies in ventures that prioritize cross-border monetization, interface with regulation, and collaborate with ministries rather than just mentors. These startups are not just pitching; they are hosting summits, attracting capital, and commanding global attention.
Three key indicators distinguish these power-building ventures: they raise capital before seeking visibility, shape market behavior rather than merely participate in panels, and create products that fundamentally alter how people spend, earn, or move. When competitors begin to study their models, it’s a sign that these startups have stopped playing the game and started writing the rules.
As Dominican innovation matures, some startups will continue to tour Latin America’s pitch festivals, while others will focus on building exportable infrastructure that invites the world in rather than begs to be let out. By 2026, the world will fly in to witness what Dominican entrepreneurs have built, marking the transition from guest to host in the global innovation economy.
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Dominican Republic takes part in Climate Week 2025 in New York
New York – The Dominican Republic is making its presence felt at Climate Week 2025, with Max Puig, Executive Vice President of the National Council for Climate Change and Carbon Market (CNCCMC), leading the charge. Accompanied by Sara González, CNCCMC’s Technical Director and COP Vice President, the delegation is actively engaging in discussions on global climate challenges during this high-profile event, which coincides with the UN General Assembly. The forum brings together leaders from governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to address pressing environmental issues.
Beyond the forum, Puig is set to participate in high-level UN meetings alongside President Luis Abinader, focusing on sustainable development. In his remarks, Puig highlighted the Dominican Republic’s commitment to adaptation strategies, a just energy transition, and the development of national carbon markets aimed at integration with international systems. “Climate change is not a future challenge; it is a present reality,” Puig asserted, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action.
The delegation’s involvement also aligns with preparations for COP30, scheduled to take place later this year in Belém do Pará, Brazil. Puig reiterated the nation’s dedication to advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient development model, reaffirming its active role in global climate negotiations. This participation underscores the Dominican Republic’s determination to contribute meaningfully to international efforts in combating climate change.
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Dominican beaches overwhelmed by sargassum, citizens demand action
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.
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Dominican Republic and Spain sign agreement to promote spanish in diplomacy
In a significant move to bolster the influence of the Spanish language in international diplomacy, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has inked a memorandum of understanding with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. The agreement, formalized by Vice Minister Rubén Silié and Spain’s Secretary of State Susana Sumelzo Jordán, seeks to amplify the presence of Spanish in global legal frameworks, arbitration processes, and multilateral organizations. Key initiatives outlined in the memorandum include the translation of official documents into Spanish, the commemoration of Spanish Language Day, the backing of ‘Groups of Friends of Spanish,’ the promotion of Spanish in diplomatic academies, and the encouragement of its use as a criterion for staff selection in international bodies. The signing ceremony, hosted at MIREX headquarters, saw the participation of high-ranking officials from both nations, including deputy ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from INFOTEP and the Ministry of Science and Technology. This collaboration highlights a concerted effort to safeguard and elevate the status of the Spanish language on the world stage.
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UPDATE: Internal power failure disrupts operations at Las Américas Airport
Santo Domingo – A significant power outage at José Francisco Peña Gómez Las Américas International Airport (AILA–SDQ) this morning at 9:16 a.m. brought operations to a standstill, causing widespread disruptions and delays. AERODOM, the airport’s concessionaire, promptly issued an official statement via its X account at 10:24 a.m., apologizing to passengers and assuring them that technical teams were working tirelessly to restore power and resume normal operations. The outage led to confusion and inconvenience among travelers, prompting AERODOM to request patience and understanding while updates were promised as the situation evolved. By 11:43 a.m., AERODOM confirmed that crews were still actively working to resolve the issue. At 12:45 p.m., travelers were advised not to proceed to the airport unless power was restored. A temporary solution was implemented with the installation of an external electric power plant. Finally, at 2:30 p.m., AERODOM announced that power had been successfully restored and urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information.
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Complaints about high bills and blackouts continue to irritate the population.
The Dominican Republic is currently embroiled in a severe electricity crisis, triggering widespread protests across the nation. Citizens have taken to the streets, resorting to burning tires, banging pots and pans, and lighting candles to voice their frustration over persistent blackouts and skyrocketing electricity bills. The unrest is evident both in public demonstrations and on social media platforms, where grievances are rapidly multiplying. For many Dominicans, power outages have become a daily ordeal, disrupting essential aspects of life such as food preservation and children’s well-being. In Haina, San Cristóbal province, professor Carolina Aquino described the situation as unbearable, while residents of Altos de Arroyo Hondo, National District, lit candles in protest, demanding uninterrupted 24-hour service. Compounding the issue are exorbitant electricity bills. According to the Consumer Protection Office (Protecom), 95% of complaints filed this year pertain to high energy costs. Energy distribution companies received over 84,000 complaints in a single year, with 93% related to inflated bills. Social media users are questioning how bills can remain high despite prolonged outages. Celso Marranzini, president of the Unified Council of Distribution Companies (CUED), attributed increased consumption to high temperatures, asserting that service rates have not been adjusted. Authorities acknowledge the sector’s deep-rooted issues, including power losses, overloaded grids, insufficient investment, and low revenue collection. Statistics from January to July 2025 reveal a precarious financial outlook for distribution companies Edenorte, Edesur, and Edeeste. Despite a slight rise in energy purchases, sales revenue and effective collections have declined. In June, collection losses reached 45.2%, underscoring the sector’s financial woes. The Ministry of Energy and Mines has not updated its statistics since June, leaving stakeholders without recent official data. Management indicators are equally concerning, with energy losses at 38.2% and a revenue recovery rate (CRI) of just 59.5%, meaning distributors are recovering barely half of what they should bill. Investments have plummeted to US$108.7 million, exacerbating the crisis. An electricity crisis occurs when a country’s energy supply system fails to meet demand, leading to shortages, widespread blackouts, and dramatic price hikes. This crisis not only disrupts households but also severely impacts the economy, as industries, commerce, and services rely on stable energy to function.