Rains keep seven provinces under green alert

SANTO DOMINGO. The Center for Emergency Operations (COE) declared a green alert for seven provinces due to the rains falling over recent hours. The rains were caused by the effects of a tropical wave located to the Southeast of Haiti and a low pressure trough located over the Windward Passage.

The provinces under alert are Santo Domingo, Monsignor Nouel, San Pedro de Macoris, Monte Plata, San Cristobal, including the town of Villa Altagracia, Sanchez Ramirez and Azua.

The COE warning seeks to avoid victims from possible flash floods, overflow from rivers and streams as well as landslides.

Since yesterday afternoon the rains have been increasing, mostly in the capital where there were some intense rain showers.

In regard to this situation, the agency recommends that the population follow the instructions of the relief workers. They call upon citizens to abstain from crossing rivers and streams when they are close to flood stage, and for people who live near these waterways to take precautionary measures when needed.

Due to the situation, the COE activated its Emergency Round Table, their Lightning Plan with the Armed Forces and the Health Emergency Plan.

Forecast

The forecast for today from the National Meteorological Office (Onamet) calls for rains over a large part of the national territory, but principally in the Northeast, Southeast, Central Mountains, Southwest, Northwest and the area along the frontier.

For the National District and the province of Santo Domingo they are forecasting thunderstorms and rains with occasional wind gusts.

The rains will continue into Friday in the Northeast, Southwest, Central Mountains and the South Shore.