Thousands flee flash floods as rains drench Dominican Republic north

Santo Domingo.-The Emergency Operations Center (COE) on Wednesday said the downpours in several provinces during the last several days have displaced 5,560 people and affected nearly 400 homes, with flash flood warnings issued for 16 provinces.

From María Trinidad Sánchez in the northeast to Elías Piña in the west are under flash flood warnings, COE said, and that swelled rivers have damaged homes in northern La Vega and Espaillat provinces.

The first response agency said the displaced people weren’t taken to shelters but advised residents in high-risk areas such as near rivers and streams to take precautions.