Severe weather has affected the Dominican Republic, caused by a trough that has brought heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the region. The weather has resulted in flooding and could potentially cause landslides. There is a particular concern for low-lying communities, which could be badly affected by debris from these potential landslides.
The country's National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET) has issued weather warnings (the highest level on a two-tier scale) for Duarte, El Seibo, Elias Pina, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, La Vega, Maria Sanchez Trinidad, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Plata, Puerto Plata, San Cristobal, Sanchez Ramirez, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, and Santo Domingo (including the Distrito Nacional) provinces.
Authorities may issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to infrastructure such as electricity and telecommunications services are also possible due to the potential impact that significant flooding or landslides may have on utility networks.
Although the trough is expected to begin to move away from May 9, the country remains on high alert.
A trough is an elongated area of relatively low pressure extending from the center of a region of low pressure and is associated with stormy weather.
