Govt. deploys first responders as part of La Altagracia holiday

Santo Domingo.- TheEmergency Operations Center (COE) on Tuesdayannounced the start of the operation "Virgen de La Altagracia 2016" 8amWednesday, which concludes 6pm Thursday.

It said 3,521 firstresponders will be deployed at key points along major highways and roadsleading to Higuey, eastern La Altagracia province.

"The operationAltagracia aims to prevent and respond appropriately to emergencies that occurduring the commemoration of La Altagracia day," COE said in a statement.

The agency said 30ambulances will be scattered along the highways, 51 first aid stations will be installedin the east region and 50 more along other routes, to assist the faithful who visitHiguey.