The damage caused by the rains in the Dominican Republic

Several localities in the Dominican Republic have been affected, and 1,781 people have been displaced by the heavy rains recorded in the last few hours, caused by an active tropical wave and the impact of a trough, according to the Emergency Operations Center (COE).

Such is the case of the municipal district of El Rosario, in the province of Azua, where, after the Tábara River overflowed, approximately 160 houses were flooded and 774 people were displaced.

“The Civil Defense reports that, due to the heavy rains, the Liceo Gregorio Luperón shelter was enabled, in which 09 families are sheltered with a total of 26 people sheltered,” reads a COE bulletin.

Also added to the list is La Altagracia, with 26 flooded residences. Likewise, urban flooding occurred in various parts of the municipal district, with the areas of Veron, Bavaro, Cortesito, and Sabana de Los Martinez being the most severely affected.

Additionally, a tree was reported to have fallen on the Higüey/Anamuyita highway, blocking traffic. “We proceeded to the removal of debris and the road was enabled”.

In San Pedro de Macorís, due to heavy rains and the malfunctioning of the pluvial drainage system, urban flooding occurred in the following sectors: Placer Bonito, Pedro Justo, Calle T, Barrio Los Maestro, Barrio Mexico, the entrance of the Social Security Hospital, La Batea, Kennedy, and Primavera.

Also, the communities of Concho Primo, Diego, Loma Alduey, Campiña, Platanito, Bejucal, Cabeza de Toro, Guanábano and Regajo are partially cut off due to the flooding of the Soco River.

Meanwhile, in Santiago, flooding occurred in the sectors Los Cocos de Jacagua, Yapul Dumit, Cienfuegos, Entrada de Rafey, Barrio Libertad, Mella I, Circunvalación Sur, Avenida Estrella Sadhalá, Hispanoamericana, and the municipal district of Santiago Oeste Este, leaving a total of 150 houses partially flooded.

Other damages

Similarly, the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (Inapa) reported that 10 aqueducts are out of service, leaving 179,256 users without a drinking water supply.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) reported that several road infrastructures have been damaged by overflowing rivers and urban flooding caused by the storm.

What to do in case of rain?

The COE shared with the population some measures they can take to avoid unfortunate situations in times of rain.

• Avoid crossing rivers, streams, and creeks that have high water volumes.

• Try to stay in a safe place.

• Avoid throwing items into the street and disposing of garbage properly.

• Remove from balconies and windows anything that can be blown away.

• Avoid walking through flooded streets.

• Avoid touching poles, light boxes, or wires.

• Drive slowly with your lights on and seatbelts fastened.