Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in the Dominican Republic. At least 21 people were killed. A state of alarm has been declared in almost all provinces.
At least 21 people died in storms in the Dominican Republic within 48 hours. Among them are three children, according to the National Center for Emergency Operations (COE).
In addition to the 21 deaths confirmed by the COE, there are at least eight other deaths, the newspaper “Diario Libre” wrote on Sunday (local time) based on its own information.
Wall buried cars under itself
According to the COE, four fatalities were from the United States and three others were from Haiti. Nine people died on Saturday in the capital Santo Domingo when a wall collapsed on one of the main roads, burying several cars. Nine more people died in floods and the collapse of a house wall in Santo Domingo.
According to authorities, around 13,000 people had to leave their homes in the endangered areas. President Luis Abinader spoke on Sunday of the “worst rain event ever in the Dominican Republic.”
State of alarm in almost all provinces
According to authorities, a state of alarm has been declared in almost all provinces of the country due to heavy rain. The National Civil Protection warned residents, among other things, not to cross rivers and streams.
School lessons in the Caribbean country will be suspended until Wednesday due to the storms. Experts should examine the buildings for any damage.
Anne Demmer, ARD Mexico, tagesschau, November 20, 2023 9:57 a.m