标签： Dominican Republic

The city of Santiago experienced a remarkable meteorological event on Thursday, October 30, when an astonishing 61.9 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours. This figure, which triples the region’s historical average, was confirmed by Juan Salas, the executive director of Civil Defense, who labeled the occurrence as “unprecedented” in recent memory. Salas noted that previous records had never exceeded 22 millimeters, making this event truly extraordinary. The heavy rainfall, attributed to the remnants of Hurricane Melissa and an active trough over the Cibao region, led to temporary flooding in several areas, including Los Jardines, Hoya de Caimitos, and 27 de Febrero Avenue. Despite the severity of the situation, the city managed to return to normalcy within hours, thanks to the swift and coordinated response of emergency agencies and municipal brigades. This incident underscores the urgent need to enhance urban drainage systems and bolster mitigation efforts in regions susceptible to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather phenomena.

The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) in Santo Domingo has announced a temporary closure of the Floating Bridge to vehicular traffic on Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This brief shutdown is necessary to facilitate the safe departure of the vessel M/V Tuckernuck from the M&D Marine Repairs dry dock. The bridge, a vital link between the National District and Santo Domingo East, will be inaccessible during this two-hour period. Authorities have urged drivers and frequent users of the bridge to plan their journeys accordingly and utilize alternative routes to avoid disruptions. The MOPC emphasized that this action is part of established maritime coordination protocols designed to ensure safe navigation and secure transit across the structure. The ministry reiterated its dedication to maintaining orderly and efficient mobility for all citizens, underscoring its commitment to public safety and operational efficiency.

In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce of China in the Dominican Republic has mobilized a large-scale relief campaign to aid families devastated by Tropical Storm Melissa. The effort involves the distribution of 23,000 food kits, with an estimated total value of RD$29.9 million, across the nation. The campaign is spearheaded by prominent figures including Zheng Shanfeng, President of the Fujian Chamber; Mars Wang, Vice President; Weng Didi, Secretary General; Yuek Fai Cheung, President of the Chinese Colony Center; and Rosa NG Báez, President of the Flor Para Todos Foundation. Deliveries have already commenced in severely affected southern provinces, such as San José de Ocoa. The relief operation will extend to 13 regions, including Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San Juan, Barahona, and Peravia. Organizers emphasized that the campaign embodies the spirit of solidarity and gratitude that binds the Chinese and Dominican communities. ‘In times of hardship, it is our duty to stand together and offer support,’ stated Zheng Shanfeng, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Chinese community to assist the Dominican Republic during challenging times.

Santo Domingo’s Colonial City has undergone a significant transformation with the completion of an extensive urban renewal project, spearheaded by Tourism Minister David Collado. The initiative, valued at over RD$103 million, has revitalized 11 streets in the historic district, enhancing accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall visitor experience. Executed by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure of Tourist Zones (Ceiztur), the project includes the reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs, and pavements across 17 streets, alongside drainage improvements, new signage, and universal access ramps. Minister Collado emphasized that the Colonial City, a key attraction for approximately 8% of the Dominican Republic’s tourists, will remain fully accessible throughout December to ensure uninterrupted tourism and local commerce. The project also extends its benefits to neighboring areas such as San Lázaro and San Miguel, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism. Collado highlighted that these efforts aim to preserve the historic charm of the Colonial City while positioning it as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Santiago de los Caballeros, a major city in the Dominican Republic, was hit by severe flooding on Thursday following heavy rainfall. The deluge inundated key streets and avenues, causing widespread disruption and damage. Robinson Cabrera, a councilman from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), publicly criticized the city’s inadequate urban planning and poor maintenance of drainage systems. Cabrera described the situation as unprecedented, stating, ‘Santiago is flooded like never before.’ He highlighted the extensive impact on homes, vehicles, and businesses, attributing the crisis to clogged storm drains and neglected catch basins. To illustrate the severity, Cabrera shared striking images on Instagram, depicting the city’s main roads transformed into rivers. In an official statement, he called on residents to assist by avoiding littering in public spaces but stressed that the primary responsibility lies with municipal authorities. The torrential rains submerged several neighborhoods, brought traffic to a standstill, and caused flooding in areas previously unaffected by such events. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the city’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather update indicating that a pre-frontal trough located north of the island, coupled with moisture carried by east-southeast winds, will result in isolated, short-duration showers across parts of the Dominican Republic on Friday morning. As the day progresses, cloud cover is expected to intensify, leading to scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potentially gusty winds in several provinces, including El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Vega, San José de Ocoa, Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, and Puerto Plata. Overnight, the weather is predicted to remain partly cloudy.

In response to the anticipated rainfall, weather alerts and warnings remain active in nine provinces due to the heightened risk of flooding, overflowing rivers and streams, and landslides in vulnerable areas. Nighttime temperatures are forecasted to range between 21°C and 23°C, while daytime temperatures will hover between 31°C and 33°C. In Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District and Santo Domingo Norte, Este, and Oeste, skies will become increasingly overcast, accompanied by scattered showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks.

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic, under the leadership of President Román Jáquez Liranzo, has introduced the official designs for the new Dominican Identity and Electoral Card. The unveiling took place during a presentation to the Duartian Institute and the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Ephemerides (CPEP), two institutions responsible for ensuring the proper use of national symbols. The updated card aims to modernize the document while strengthening national identity by incorporating significant historical, cultural, and environmental elements. Key features of the design include the national coat of arms, a portrait of founding father Juan Pablo Duarte, and the Monument to the Heroes of Restoration. Additionally, the cardholder’s image will be superimposed over Duarte’s chest, symbolizing the enduring connection between Dominican citizens and their homeland. The design also celebrates Dominican culture and biodiversity, featuring the güira and tambora—instruments central to Dominican music—and the palmchat, the national bird. This initiative transforms the ID card into a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage, blending history, culture, and nature. Both the Duartian Institute and CPEP have formally approved the designs, praising the JCE for its efforts to foster national pride and preserve the legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte through this innovative project.