We cannot continue improvising in the face of the rains

The rains of the last few days have once again exposed a reality that the Dominican Republic knows all too well: we remain vulnerable to atmospheric phenomena that, although inevitable, should not always cause the same consequences. The reports from the Emergency Operations Center (COE) regarding affected homes, isolated communities, and out-of-service aqueducts reflect a problem that goes beyond the rainfall. Behind every figure are families who lose their peace of mind and citizens who face difficulties in traveling or accessing essential services.

It is fair to recognize the work of relief agencies and the institutions that intervene to protect lives and assist affected communities. Their work is indispensable and deserves full support. But responding well to an emergency does not necessarily mean being prepared to face it. Insufficient drainage, obstructed streams, construction in vulnerable areas, and a lack of infrastructure maintenance continue to aggravate the effects of the rains. These are known problems that require permanent solutions, not improvised measures when the water is already entering homes.

The central government, city councils, and institutions responsible for territorial planning must assume prevention as a permanent task. This means investing in drainage, cleaning gullies and filters, maintaining infrastructure, and avoiding new construction in high-risk areas. It is also up to the citizenry to do their part. Throwing trash in the streets and drains contributes to flooding. However, individual responsibility cannot serve as an excuse to justify the lack of planning or the failure of authorities to fulfill their obligations.

The Dominican Republic needs to move from a culture of reaction to a true culture of prevention. Each rainy season should find us better prepared than the last, with completed works, up-to-date maintenance, and less exposed communities. It is not enough to mobilize teams when an emergency arrives; we must work throughout the year to reduce damage. The rains will keep coming. What cannot keep happening is that every downpour finds us facing the same old problems.