Dominican Republic – Over 20,000 People Displaced by Floods

Thousands of people have been displaced by flooding in the Dominican Republic over the last few days.

Heavy rain began to fall in the country from 07 November, causing flooding in several provinces. Over 200 mm of rain fell in 24 hours between 07 and 08 November in Luperón, Puerto Plata. Several other locations recorded more than 100 mm of rain in 24 hours.

The flooding in Dominican Republic comes just a few days after floods in neighbouring Haiti left 10 people dead.

Both countries, in particular Haiti, suffered severe damage and loss of life from Hurricane Matthew in October this year.

Severe flooding also struck both countries in May this year. Powerful storms were measured dropping rain at a rate of almost 300 mm (11.8 inches) per hour on 08 May 2016, according to NASA.

20,000 Displaced, 19 Provinces on Alert

A statement made on 09 November by the country’s Emergency Operations Centre (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencias – COE), said that 20,920 people have been displaced, 4,184 homes damaged and 23 completely destroyed.

At one point 19 communities were isolated after roads or bridges were damaged or blocked by flood water or landslides. As of the latest COE report, the communities of Los Peinados and Los Contreras in Villa Riva, Duarte Province, remain cut off after the Yuna River overflowed.

Nineteen provinces are on alert for severe weather, with 7 provinces on yellow (mid) level alert (Espaillat, La Altagracia, Monte Cristi, Dajabón, Hato Mayor, Puerto Plata and María Trinidad Sánchez) and 12 on green (lower) level. A red level alert was earlier issued for the provinces of María Trinidad Sánchez and Puerto Plata but has since been lifted by COE.

Dominican President Danilo Medina visited the province of Puerto Plata to assess the flood damage and coordinate aid and relief operations.

Affected Areas

According to COE’s report, flooding has been reported in the province of Hato Mayor, where the Paña river overflowed, and El Seibo where the Yeguada river overflowed. The Yuna River overflowed in Duarte Province, affecting areas in Villa Riva.

A landslide was reported in Jáico, Province of Santiago. Flooding has affected hospitals in Cabecera, Province of Puerto Plata. Also in the province, the Guananico River has overflowed damaging homes in Guananico municipality.

Evacuations were carried out in Cabrera, Province of María Trinidad Sánchez, due to the overflow of the Tío Marcos River. Elsewhere, flooding from the Bajabonico and Angostura rivers has also caused damage, according to COE.

Rainfall

According to figures from Dominican Republic Oficina Nacional De Meteorologia (ONAMET), at least four locations recorded more than 100 mm of rain in 24 hours between 07 and 08 November:

  • Luperón, Puerto Plata – 214.1 mm
  • Aeropuerto la Union – 180.3 mm
  • Gaspar Hernandez (Espaillat) – 149.9 mm
  • Cabrera – 119.8 mm

Flood Summary

Last updated: November 16, 2016
Event
Dominican Republic, November 2016
Date
November 7, 2016
Type
Inland flood, Landslide, River flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Villa Riva, Duarte Province
B - Province of Santiago
C - Luperón
D - Guananico
E - Cabrera

Magnitude

Rainfall level
214.1 mm in 24 hours
Luperón, Puerto Plata - November 7 to November 8, 2016
Rainfall level
180.3 mm in 24 hours
Aeropuerto la Union - November 7 to November 8, 2016
Cabrera – 119.8 mm
Rainfall level
149.9 mm in 24 hours
Gaspar Hernandez, Espaillat - November 7 to November 8, 2016
Rainfall level
119.8 mm in 24 hours
Cabrera - November 7 to November 8, 2016

Damages

Evacuated
20,000
November 7 to November 10, 2016
Buildings destroyed
23 buildings
November 7 to November 10, 2016

6 thoughts on “Dominican Republic – Over 20,000 People Displaced by Floods

  1. Where is the world? Red Cross? Someone? Can we get some publicity? There are 1000’s of people lining the highways and neighbourhoods homeless! If 12 people were evacuated in Florida, this is all over the news and the Red Cross are on Standby. This event has happened and no help in sight !

    1. Hello Joe, I am preparing to send a 40 foot container of aid for the Dominican with medical supplies and medical equipment, toys and clothes. Are you in the Dominican? What is the situation like NOW… Dec 5th… thank you for your response and information. I am with the small– but very active — non-profit called “Cheer Up Missions Inc.” .. and association of volunteer clowns, magicians and musicians… See you in The Dominican. You can contact me at: cheerupmissions@gmail.com or through our website: Cheerupmissions.org

  2. Hello, my name is Elayne Blancas I am the co-founder of The David Project (www.tdproject.org) alongside with my cousin Luis Perez. We are Dominican, and have a lot of family in Dominican Republic. Thank God they are safe from harm, but our heart goes to our remaining brothers and sisters, the community of Puerto Plata. Aside from my non profit, I have started a movement of love and respect. I would like to gather a few volunteers from my non profit and from around the globe to contribute in collecting food for Puerto Plata. I encourage those reading this comment, to pass it along and if interested to please contact me. There is strength in unity.I look forward to hearing from you soon. God bless.

  3. J’ai des amis (es) Canadiens qui demeurent là. Ils sont très inquiets . Ils ont eu de l’eau dans leurs demeures . Ils vivent de grandes inquiétudes.

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