Protests erupt after extended blackouts

SantoDomingo.- Prolonged blackouts over the weekend led to violent protests inseveral neighborhood in the Greater Santo Domingo area, where residents took tothe streets burning tires and blocking streets and avenues.

The areas worst affected by the power cutscaused by tropical storm Erika include Villa Consuelo, Villa Juana, Cristo Rey,Gazcue, Don Bosco, San Carlos, Mejoramiento Social, Villa María, Gualey, LasCañita, Los Guandules, Guachupíta, Los Alcarrizos, Los Tres Brazos, Los Mina andEnsanche Ozama.

In areas like Villa Consuelo, Villa Juana,Don Bosco, Gazcue, 27 de Febrero, Ensanche Luperón and Cristo Rey, power was cut off since the early hours of Sunday and had still not been restored by 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

On Sunday evening protests erupted inseveral areas including Villa Consuelo, Villa Juana, 27 de Febrero, Espaillat,Mejoramiento Social, Los Mina and Villa María, where one man was killed in ashootout.

According to reports from the EdeEstepower distribution company, the power cuts were caused after several circuitswere affected by downed cables and electricity posts as a result of the passageof tropical storm Erika.