Santo Domingo. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) increased alert levels in 18 provinces of the country due to the forecast of heavy rains associated with a trough that will continue to generate downpours, thunderstorms, and wind gusts across much of the national territory.
The measure was adopted following reports issued by the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), which warn of favorable conditions for significant rainfall, with a risk of urban and rural flooding, overflowing of rivers, streams, and creeks, as well as possible landslides in vulnerable areas.
Among the provinces under alert are Santiago, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, Monte Plata, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Samaná, María Trinidad Sánchez, Espaillat, Puerto Plata, Valverde, Monte Cristi, Santiago Rodríguez and San José de Ocoa, among other areas considered at higher risk due to the forecasted weather conditions.
We recommend reading: Sahara dust will continue to generate heat and scarce rainfall in the DR
The agency urged the population to remain attentive to official bulletins and to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and creeks that have high volumes of water, due to the danger posed by flash floods. Likewise, it recommended refraining from using swimming areas located in the provinces under alert.
The authorities also alerted operators of small and medium-sized vessels on the Atlantic coast to navigate with caution near the coastline and avoid venturing out to sea due to abnormal wave conditions.
The COE indicated that it will continue to monitor the evolution of atmospheric conditions and did not rule out further modifications to alert levels in the coming hours, depending on the behavior of the rains in the national territory.
