SANTO DOMINGO – Tropical Storm Melissa, located south of the country with sustained winds of 85 km/h, continues moving northwest. Meteorological authorities warn that it could strengthen in the coming hours, bringing heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, especially to the Caribbean coast.
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) updated its weather alert and warning levels. Twelve provinces are under yellow alert, including Santo Domingo and the National District, while nine others are under warning. The areas under alert face a risk of urban and rural flooding, river overflows, and landslides.
Yellow
The provinces under yellow alert are: Samaná, Monte Plata, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, Santiago, Sánchez Ramírez, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, Santo Domingo, the National District, San José de Ocoa, Monseñor Nouel, and Azua. The provinces under advisory are: Independencia, Baoruco, San Juan, Pedernales, Barahona, Peravia, La Romana, La Altagracia, and María Trinidad Sánchez.
In the National District, the Mayor's Office activated cleaning and urban maintenance brigades. The teams are working on cleaning storm drains , inspecting sewers, and removing debris from parks, plazas, and main avenues as part of preventative measures against water accumulation.
In Santo Domingo East, the Mayor's Office announced the temporary closure of the Malecón (seawall) as a preventative measure due to abnormal waves and anticipated rainfall. Water pumps have also been deployed to critical points throughout the municipality to address potential flooding, and emergency teams and shelters have been activated in case of evacuations.
Municipal authorities in both districts indicated that they are coordinating with response agencies to monitor weather conditions and address any situations that may arise during the passage of the system.
Relief agencies recommended that the public stay informed through official bulletins, avoid vulnerable areas, and follow the instructions of civil protection agencies. They also urged people not to throw trash in the streets to prevent blockages in drainage systems.
Tropical Storm Melissa will continue to generate humid and unstable conditions across the country for the next few days. Moderate to heavy downpours, with thunderstorms and gusty winds, are expected, especially in the southwest and along the Caribbean coast, including Greater Santo Domingo.
