Continuing downpours prompt flash flood alerts

Santo Domingo.- The downpours from a squall willcontinue for much of the country Friday, while the Emergency Operations Center(COE) issued flash flooding and mudslide alerts for several regions.

It said residents in low-lying areas of PuertoPlata, Independencia, Pedernales, Elías Piña, Barahona, Azua, Santiago andGreater Santo Domingo should keep away from rivers, streams and creeks.

For its part the National Weather Officeforecasts continuing downpours with thunderstorms, especially the southwest,northwest, and border area.

Meteorology said the downpours could spreadto other nearby regions.