Six provinces on flood alert

Santo Domingo.- The Center for Emergency Operations (COE) issued a greenalert for flooding and landslides for six provinces Thursday, as alow-pressure system currently over Puerto Rico approaches the country.

The provinces on alert are San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, LaAltagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor and Duarte (especially the Bajo Yuna area).

The COE adopted the measure based on a report from theNational Meteorological Office (Onamet) which forecasts that the system willbring moderate rainfall, which could be heavy at times, accompanied bythunderstorms and isolated wind gusts, starting in the eastern and northeasternregions.

It warns residents of lowland areas close to rivers,streams and gullies to take the appropriate precautions.

The COE advises operators of fragile and small craftin Samaná Bay and the Atlantic coast to remain in port as of Thursday evening due to abnormal wave activity, while on the Caribbean coast they can sail but should not go out on the high seas.