Armed Forces on maximum alert as Storm Melissa hits the country

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Defense (MIDE) announced that the Dominican Republic’s Armed Forces are on maximum alert due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Melissa, with specialized units prepared for search, rescue, evacuation, and humanitarian missions across the country.

In coordination with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), rapid response units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Specialized Corps for Security and Disaster Mitigation (CESMED) have been activated to protect lives and support communities affected by heavy rain and strong winds. Troops from all branches remain on standby, ready to deploy immediately to vulnerable areas.

The Dominican Air Force has mobilized its air fleet—including AgustaWestland AW169, Bell UH-1H II, OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, and CASA C-212 aircraft—equipped for rescue, medical evacuation, and humanitarian transport, even in adverse weather conditions.