SANTO DOMINGO.- The collapse of the bridge over the Camú River, in the province of Puerto Plata, has left several communities isolated and affected an essential route for mobility and economic activity in the north of the country, demonstrating the direct impact of the rains on key infrastructure.
This structure not only connected towns, but also facilitated the transport of products, access to services and the dynamism of an area with strong agricultural and tourist activity, so its loss represents a significant blow to residents and productive sectors.
For the inhabitants of these communities, and with an impact on areas that group more than 300,000 people in the northern region linked to these productive axes, the bridge represented a vital daily connection.
Its construction, promoted as part of development initiatives to strengthen connectivity and economic growth, improved transit to agricultural and tourist areas, so its collapse now generates uncertainty and limits access to basic opportunities.
Technical assessment underway following the collapse
Given the magnitude of the damage, the National Office for Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (ONESVIE) initiated a technical survey to determine the causes of the structural collapse, the magnitude of the damage, and the actions necessary for its intervention.
The team is headed by engineer Fanny Ramos and engineer Ernesto Polanco Grant, along with specialists who conduct on-site assessments, the institution explained on Monday.
In parallel, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications is coordinating the actions to be taken once the results of the technical report are obtained.
Rains on April 11 caused damage in the province
The bridge collapse occurred after the intense rains recorded on Saturday, April 11, which caused rivers to overflow, flooding and landslides in different locations in Puerto Plata.
Municipalities such as Villa Montellano, Imbert and Altamira were affected, with dozens of homes flooded and communities impacted by the rising waters of rivers such as the Bajabonico.
In areas like Monte Bravo, a family was rescued from the roof of their home after being trapped by the waters, reflecting the magnitude of the event.
The increased flow of the Camú River ended up compromising the structure of the bridge, which gave way under the pressure, taking this important road out of service.
Infrastructure under pressure
The bridge collapse adds to other damage caused by the rains in different provinces, in a context where the rainfall has tested the resilience of key infrastructure in the country.
Authorities reported that, once the technical evaluation is completed, a report with recommendations for rehabilitation will be presented, although no deadlines have been set.
The Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, traveled to the province to assist the affected families and monitor the situation.
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