Santo Domingo prepares for hurricane season

Santo Domingo.- On Saturday, June 1, the hurricane season commences in the Dominican Republic, prompting authorities in Greater Santo Domingo to initiate cleaning operations since Thursday to forestall home flooding and road disruptions.

With reduced traffic and sparse pedestrian activity owing to Corpus Christi Day festivities, the streets of the province’s three municipalities, which, along with the National District, constitute Greater Santo Domingo, noticeably boast cleanliness.

Santo Domingo Noth City Council’s solid waste collection trucks were observed on Los Beisbolistas Avenue and its environs.

While decreased citizen movement in this northern municipality aids cleaning efforts, sidewalks and bins were observed devoid of plastics, a major culprit for drain blockages.

The unpleasant odor emanating from stagnant waters persists in the Guajimía canyon. Various debris including plastics, covers, cardboard, and automotive components contribute to the drain’s multi-colored appearance. Adjacent to it, along Mexico Avenue, is an establishment slaughtering chickens for meat sale.

These elements collectively form a significant “plastic barrier” during heavy rainfall, impeding water flow and causing severe street and residential flooding.

Though authorities undertake clean-up operations, residents reportedly fail to cooperate with preventive measures, as stated by a local vendor who chose anonymity.

In the Las 800 sector of Los Ríos, the scenario differed significantly from Santo Domingo Oeste, with lesser plastic presence. Water flows swiftly following renovation work in the “Las 800” ravine by the Santo Domingo Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (Caasd).

Minimal garbage was observed in many areas visited within the National District. However, a recurring issue in Los Ríos is the improper disposal of waste bags, often leading to traffic congestion during collection tasks.

According to the National Meteorological Office (Onamet), approximately 23 cyclones may form during this cyclone season. Onamet and the Emergency Operations Center (COE) will monitor cloud formations until November 30 to provide guidance to the populace.