The Emergency Operations Center (COE) activated red alert in Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez and Puerto Plata due to possible river, stream and gully overflows, as well as sudden and urban floods. This measure responds to the intense rains caused by a frontal system that is affecting the northern part of the country.
Provinces under red alert and risk levels
The red alert implies the highest level of caution, with preventive evacuations in vulnerable areas. In parallel, five provinces are under yellow alert: Santiago, Hermanas Mirabal, Monte Cristi, Samaná and La Vega. Four remain in green: Santiago Rodríguez, Valverde, Duarte and Monseñor Nouel.
Effects in Puerto Plata
In Puerto Plata, the overflow of the San Marcos river temporarily isolated communities such as San Marcos Abajo, El Corozo and La Vejiga, although the situation has normalized. Urban floods in Yásica flooded 1,500 homes in sectors such as Berdum, Framboyán and Jamao al Norte, according to preliminary reports from the Civil Defense.
Slippery landslides and floods in Espaillat
In Espaillat, a landslide in Joba Arriba, municipality of Gaspar Hernández, required quick interventions. Although there are no destroyed homes, urban floods generate concern for the recurrence of these events in the area.
Severe impact in María Trinidad Sánchez
Displaced and flooded homes
María Trinidad Sánchez registers the most severe damage under red alert: overflows of the Drago and Arroyo al Medio rivers flooded 280 homes in El Barro, Papayo and San José de Matanza. Additionally, 540 people were displaced and communities such as Palmilla and El Guayabo were left cut off.
- 280 homes flooded in total.
- 540 preventive evacuees.
- Multiple urban sectors affected.
In the Atlantic coast, from Monte Cristi to La Altagracia, fragile boats must remain in port due to abnormal winds and waves. There are no restrictions on the Caribbean coast.
This episode is part of a historical pattern: in 2024, similar frontal systems caused floods in the Cibao, with over 2,000 evacuees according to COE data. Climate experts warn that climate change intensifies these rains, with a 20% increase in annual precipitation in the northern Dominican Republic, per capita of the National Meteorology Office (Onamet).
The red alert highlights the need for robust contingency plans. Authorities call on the population to comply with preventive measures to minimize risks in Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez and Puerto Plata. The red alert persists as long as adverse conditions persist.
