COE places 17 provinces under alert as rain hits the Dominican Republic

More than half of the Dominican Republic is under some level of weather alert as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy rain to the country.

The Emergency Operations Center kept the National District and Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, and Monte Plata provinces under yellow alert. It added 14 provinces to the green-alert list: El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Altagracia, La Romana, María Trinidad Sánchez, Dajabón, Montecristi, Peravia, Samaná, San José de Ocoa, San Pedro de Macorís, Sánchez Ramírez, Espaillat, and Puerto Plata.

Heavy rain was falling in Santo Domingo. The meteorological bulletin guiding the emergency response forecast rainfall totals of 50 to 75 millimeters in alert areas, with urban flooding possible in low-lying locations and along roads. Moderate winds and occasional gusts could also cause damage.

The center advised residents not to cross swollen rivers, streams, drainage channels, or flooded streets. It also recommended staying away from trees and unstable structures during wind gusts, identifying evacuation routes and safe areas, preparing a 72-hour emergency bag, and following official bulletins and local authorities’ instructions.