Melissa: Government to use drones in remote areas to deliver non-perishable foods

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader supervised this Friday the thousands of raw food rations being packaged by the Directorate of Social Assistance and Community Food (DASAC), formerly known as the Social Plan, and which will continue to be delivered to the provinces and communities affected by Tropical Storm Melissa.

During his visit, the president witnessed the selection and packaging process for basic goods such as rice, salt, oil, sugar, milk, beans, sardines, elbow macadamia nuts, oats, and coffee, which will be distributed to affected families.

Cooked food will also be delivered to them through the Economic Dining Halls and their mobile kitchens.

In addition to the food, President Abinader observed the preparation of other relief items, such as blankets, mosquito nets, and household goods, which will be delivered to those affected to help them overcome this difficult situation caused by the weather phenomenon.

The president toured the warehouses at the DASAC facilities, allowing him to see the food packaging process and the work being done by hundreds of men and women at the institution in the wake of Tropical Storm Melissa.

President Abinader’s visit to the DASAC facilities, formerly known as the Presidential Social Plan, demonstrates his commitment to addressing the needs of the population affected by the storm and to ensuring that aid reaches those most in need effectively and efficiently.

During the tour, the head of state was accompanied by the director of DASAC, Edgar Augusto Félix Méndez; the mayor of Santo Domingo Este, Dío Astacio; and the coordinator of the Social Policy Cabinet, Tony Peña Guaba.

Alert levels

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) maintains the National District and the provinces of Santo Domingo, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Barahona, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, Azua, Peravia, and Pedernales on red alert.

The yellow alert remains in effect for Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Samaná, La Altagracia, Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, La Vega, Elías Piña, Independencia, Bahoruco, and Monte Cristi.
María Trinidad Sánchez, Santiago, and Duarte are on green alert.