Government to assist those affected by fire at the Merca

Santo Domingo.- Following a devastating fire that broke out on Sunday at warehouse F-1 of Merca Santo Domingo, Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza declared the Dominican government’s full support for the more than 100 merchants affected. During a visit to the site on Monday, Paliza emphasized that restoring operations at the country’s main agricultural distribution center is now a government priority. He stressed the critical role Merca plays in food security and job creation in Greater Santo Domingo.

The fire destroyed approximately 7,000 square meters of commercial space, including stores selling essential goods such as rice, oil, sugar, and condiments. Preliminary estimates place the losses at over RD$500 million. More than 200 firefighters and 21 emergency response units, assisted by drones and multiple government agencies, contained the blaze with no reported casualties.

Cleanup and damage assessments began early Monday, with teams from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Emergency Operations Center, and other agencies coordinating efforts. The government has pledged to act swiftly to restore the facility, safeguard jobs, and maintain food supply stability for Dominican families.