266 beaches and resorts closed for Holy Week 2025

Santo Domingo.- The Civil Defense of the Dominican Republic has closed 266 beaches and resorts nationwide ahead of Holy Week 2025, citing high risk to human life. The closures follow field assessments and reports from the Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committees (PMR), according to Civil Defense director Juan Salas.

Santo Domingo province tops the list with 36 closures, followed by San José de Ocoa (24), La Altagracia (21), and Santiago (16). Notable locations affected include Montesinos Beach, Güibia Beach, and the Tavera and Bao dams. Authorities also closed popular spots like El Caletón, La Posita, and Acapulco Beach. Salas noted that more closures could be announced based on changing weather conditions.

As part of the broader Holy Week safety operation, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) will deploy over 49,000 personnel starting Thursday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m., continuing through Easter Sunday at 6:00 p.m. The operation includes road safety, beach monitoring, and preventive measures to ensure public well-being during the holiday.