In the wake of a catastrophic weekend downpour, the Dominican Republic is reeling from the aftermath. With at least 21 confirmed casualties, the nation grapples with the devastation caused by heavy rain and subsequent flooding. The torrential downpours forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, resulting in widespread displacement.
The capital city, Santo Domingo, witnessed a heart-wrenching incident when a highway tunnel wall collapsed due to the relentless rain, claiming the lives of nine individuals. This particular tragedy has prompted an investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to such a catastrophic event. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) reported that flooded homes, power outages, damaged infrastructure, and impassable roads plagued various regions due to the heavy rainfall.
Tragically, among those who lost their lives were three children, a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact of the disaster. Dominican President Luis Abinader characterized the recent rainfall as the country’s most severe weather event to date, given the unprecedented magnitude of the storms that have battered the nation in the past 48 hours.
The catastrophic situation was vividly captured through numerous social media posts, displaying the alarming sight of rapidly flowing water rushing through the city streets and sweeping away vehicles. The storm necessitated the rescue of over 2,500 people, with more than 2,600 homes being affected by the devastating floods.
Moreover, the torrential rain disrupted communication channels in 45 communities, leaving them isolated from the outside world. The US embassy reported that the tropical depression responsible for the deluge is expected to continue its onslaught throughout the country into Monday. Consequently, the majority of the nation’s 32 provinces remain under red and yellow weather alerts.
In response to the dire circumstances, President Abinader made the decision to suspend classes until Wednesday. This measure aims to assess the extent of damage incurred by schools and ensure the safety of the young population. The President expressed his deep shock over the loss of life due to the heavy rains and offered unwavering support to all those affected by the ongoing emergency.
Tragically, it has been reported that four of the deceased individuals were US nationals, with an additional three hailing from neighboring Haiti. The international community mourns the loss suffered by the Dominican Republic, standing in solidarity during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What caused the heavy rain and subsequent flooding?
The heavy rain and flooding were a result of a tropical depression that affected the Dominican Republic. -
How many people were affected by the storm?
Over 13,000 people were evacuated to safe areas, and more than 2,600 homes were impacted by the floods. -
How long is the rainfall expected to continue?
The US embassy stated that the rainfall is projected to persist into Monday. -
What measures are being taken to address the situation?
President Abinader has suspended classes to evaluate the damage to schools and prioritize the safety of young people. The government is also launching an investigation into the tunnel wall collapse in Santo Domingo.