Thousands in shelters; towns cut off as downpours, flooding continue

Santo Domingo.- Emergency Operations Center (COE) director Juan Manuel Méndez on Friday said the number of people evacuated by Hurricane Irma’s downpours and flooding from swollen rivers rose to 24,076.

He said of that figure 10,701 are in official shelters, whereas 114 homes were destroyed. He said some 17 communities are still cut off by washed out roads and collapsed bridges.

The official said most of the country’s 32 provinces continue under flash flood warnings, while San Juan, Samaná, Maria Trinidad Sánchez, Puerto Plata and Montecristi are under heightened alert.

Downpours

The National Weather Office (Onamet) meanwhile forecast continued downpours Friday, with Montecristi, Dajabón, Puerto Plata and Elías Piña provinces expected to receive the most rainfall.

“San Juan (west) was included among the provinces in red alert, because the Sabaneta dam was receiving 572 cubic meters per second of water yesterday night and the president (Danilo Medina) ordered the mandatory evacuation of 325 families, residents of the community of Mesopotamia,” Méndez said.

High surf

The head of the COE added that all vessels should remain in port and water sports in all coasts and swimming in rivers and streams have been banned.