Haitian canal flooded by Masacre River surge

Dajabón, DR.- Torrential rains in the upper reaches of the Masacre River in Loma de Cabrera, Dajabón province, triggered the overflow of a canal constructed by Haitians in Juana Méndez, situated on the border with the Dominican Republic.

As of now, Haitian authorities have not provided comprehensive updates regarding the condition of the affected infrastructure.

However, Juan Carlos Nova, the Director of Operations at the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (Indrhi), has voiced his apprehension. Nova emphasized that the positioning of the canal within a river bend poses a grave risk, as this configuration is prone to erosion and sedimentation, potentially compromising the structure’s stability.

Prior Warning

In October of last year, the Dominican government expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the Haitian-initiated irrigation canal drawing water from the border river. There were concerns that the project could lead to a “catastrophe” affecting both sides of the border.

Roberto Álvarez, the Dominican Foreign Minister, warned about the potential calamity stemming from increased water levels in either the Masacre or Dajabón River, which demarcates the northern boundaries of both nations. Álvarez addressed this issue during a session at the Senate of the Republic, outlining the crisis that ensued following the canal’s construction, which had prompted the complete closure of the border between the two nations at the time.