More than half the country under red, yellow, and green alerts

Santo Domingo, DR — The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has raised the alert level to red in the provinces of Santo Domingo, National District, San Cristóbal, and Monseñor Nouel. Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for Monte Plata, Sánchez Ramírez, Duarte (especially the Bajo Yuna area), María Trinidad Sánchez, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Monte Cristi, Valverde, and La Vega.

Under green alert are San Pedro de Macorís, El Seibo, Elías Piña, Peravia, Hato Mayor, La Romana, Samaná, and La Altagracia.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the COE, explained that the alerts were issued due to the risk of overflowing rivers, streams, and ravines, along with the potential for sudden and urban flooding resulting from ongoing rainfall.

According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), these downpours are caused by a humid atmosphere and a persistent trough system affecting several levels of the troposphere. The agency forecasts moderate to heavy rains this afternoon, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.

Authorities urge extreme caution

Méndez advised the public to stay in close communication with Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, Red Cross, National Police, fire brigades, and the COE, reachable via 809-472-0909, 9-1-1, or *462 (OPTIC line).

He emphasized the importance of following all civil protection guidance, especially for residents in high-risk areas near rivers, streams, or ravines, and urged them to remain alert and take all necessary precautions.

People are strongly advised not to cross water bodies with high currents and to avoid using rivers and natural pools in provinces under alert.