Santo Domingo.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has raised the alert level to yellow for 20 provinces and green for eight others due to the threat of heavy rainfall and potential flooding associated with a trough currently affecting the country.
The provinces on yellow alert are: Santiago, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Hato Mayor, San Pedro de Macorís, Santiago Rodríguez, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, Duarte, Sánchez Ramírez, Montecristi, Samaná, Puerto Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, Hermanas Mirabal, Espaillat, El Seibo, Santo Domingo, and Distrito Nacional.
The provinces on green alert are: Azua, Dajabón, La Romana, La Altagracia, San Juan, Elías Piña, Peravia, and Valverde.
The COE urges residents in affected areas to take precautions, stay informed about the latest weather conditions, and avoid crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with high water levels. Additionally, they should refrain from using beaches in provinces under alert.
Rains cause flooding and disruptions
The persistent downpours over the past few days have caused damage to road infrastructure, leading to the implementation of alternative routes in La Vega, Espaillat, and Puerto Plata.
In La Vega, the Sabaneta Bridge over the Camú River has been temporarily closed for repairs due to cracking. Meanwhile, in Espaillat, a landslide on the San Víctor road obstructed traffic until debris was removed. Additionally, in Puerto Plata, the road in the Palo Blanco community has been affected, prompting authorities to restrict access.
The rising waters of the Cuaba River have isolated 20 communities, affecting the localities of San Felipe Abajo and San Felipe Arriba in Duarte province. In Santo Domingo Norte, the swelling of the Ozama River has partially cut off access to Hacienda Estrella and Yamasá.
The rains triggered by the trough have left 153 homes affected and 765 people displaced to safe areas. Additionally, 19 people were rescued alive in Jarabacoa, La Vega.
The COE continues to monitor the situation and urges the public to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.