Downpours bring calamity, but also water bounty

Santo Domingo.- The dams and canals agency (INDRHI)on Wednesday said the reservoirs are at 88.57% of capacity, or 6.37% higher nationally.

It said Hatillo dam has the highest level at120% of capacity, followed by Sabaneta, Jigüey, Valdesia and Rincon at around 100%;Tavera-Bao above 80%, with Sabana Yegua and Monción slightly below 89%.

It said the dam levels are above normal forthis time of year, for which the Water Observatory affirms "guaranteessufficient water for consumption, agricultural irrigation and the production ofclean energy."

The Observatory said Tavera dam’s floodgates havebeen closed and the drainage conducted since early Monday didn’t cause human ormaterial losses and averted its collapse, despite the large amount of water fromthe Yaque del Norte river.

The agency added that Tavera’s drainage alsoincreased power generation.