Beaches closed as 7-foot waves pound Dominican north coast

Puerto Plata, DominicanRepublic.- Puerto Plata Province CivilDefense at noon today suspended the use of the coastline and all beaches here andother north coast towns to prevent mishaps, as strong waves have been poundingthe shore since early Tuesday.

Civil Defense provincialdirector Whascar Garcia said the ban aims to avert incidents from the high surf,while the National Weather Office (Onamet) forecast waves as high as seven feetalong the coast and higher offshore.

"In view of thesecircumstances, we decided to suspend the use of the beaches in Puerto Plata andother communities in the northern coast. Access to swimmers is suspended untilfurther notice in addition to water sports in the various beaches around thecoastline of this province," Garcia said.

He also warns small boatsto remain in port as Onamet forecasts east/northeast winds as strong as 15knots along the Atlantic coast and the northeast, pushing waves of from 5 to 7 feet.