Government allocates RD$12 billion for recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Melissa

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader announced that the government will invest RD$12 billion to support communities, farmers, and merchants affected by Tropical Storm Melissa in October. The aid package aims not only to assist those impacted but also to reactivate the economy and repair damaged infrastructure across the country.

Of the total amount, RD$2 billion will go to the Agricultural Bank to provide financing for affected producers, ensuring the continuity of their operations, while the Ministry of Agriculture will handle the repair of rural roads essential for production and transportation. Additionally, RD$1.5 billion will be allocated to Promipymes to expand credit for small merchants and micro-entrepreneurs impacted by the storm.

The central government will also grant special, non-reimbursable contributions to municipalities in provinces that were under red alert to speed up local recovery and cleanup efforts, particularly in ravines that threaten community safety. The Ministry of Public Works will restart street paving programs, and the Ministry of Education will evaluate strategies to recover lost class hours. Meanwhile, health authorities have taken preventive measures against post-storm illnesses, and INDOMET reported that while rainfall has decreased, more showers are expected next week due to an incoming trough.