Flooded areas and heavy traffic due to rain in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- Heavy rainfall caused by a trough affecting the country has led to flooding in various sectors, streets, and avenues of Greater Santo Domingo and some provinces in the Dominican Republic.

Since early Wednesday morning, torrential downpours have been recorded in Greater Santo Domingo, resulting in flooded areas and significant traffic congestion. Places such as the elevated avenue of February 27 and streets like Presidente Vásquez corner Virgilio Mainardi, as well as Charles de Gaulle near the Mella highway, are filled with water. The blockage of drains and filters due to a large amount of buoyant plastic is a common factor contributing to flooding.

In some areas, the Ministry of Public Works deployed a brigade to address the issue. However, the persistent problem remains due to the significant amount of plastic obstructing filters and drains.

The heavy rains have caused difficulties for citizens in commuting to work, and schools, and carrying out their daily activities. The presence of large puddles has also resulted in vehicle breakdowns and increased traffic congestion.

The National Meteorological Office has issued alerts and warnings for urban flooding across much of the country, including potential flooding of rivers, streams, and ravines. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has maintained a red alert for the provinces of Montecristi and Santiago Rodríguez.

The Ministry of Public Health, through the General Directorate of Epidemiology (Digepi), has issued a flood alert due to the increased risk of diseases among the populations affected by the recent heavy rainfall. The accumulation of contaminated floodwater can lead to infections, including wound infections, skin infections, and leptospirosis. Additionally, the stagnant water after the rainy season can result in a rise in mosquito populations, increasing the risk of dengue and malaria cases.

Authorities and healthcare professionals are urging preventive measures to mitigate the potential health risks associated with flooding and to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.