Dominican Civil Defense: flood response and protection

Santo Domingo.- In response to the heavy rains and floods affecting the country due to a trough affecting 27 provinces, Dominican Civil Defense personnel have been actively engaged in preventive and responsive measures to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens.

Operating under the orange alert, Civil Defense teams have been conducting preemptive broadcasts, providing essential guidance to the population on emergency protocols and safe evacuation routes. They have also been involved in relocating individuals from flooded homes to safer areas and restoring communication along affected roads, clearing debris such as fallen trees or other obstructions.

Executive Director of Civil Defense and President of the National Emergency Commission (CNE), Juan Salas, has been overseeing these efforts. Salas has convened multiple meetings with the 32 provincial directors to coordinate actions, particularly in provinces under the red alert status.

Salas has emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness, directing provincial and municipal authorities to activate their Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committees (C-PMR) in alignment with President Luis Abinader’s directive to prioritize citizen safety and property preservation during emergencies.

Citizens have been urged to report any emergencies to Civil Defense by calling 809-472-8614 and to access information on designated shelters via QR code scans, ensuring prompt access to assistance if needed.