On the weekend, torrential rain in the Dominican Republic resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 21 people and forced thousands from their homes, according to local authorities. The rain caused a landslide that claimed the lives of three children and nine individuals when the wall of a highway tunnel in Santo Domingo collapsed.
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) reported that the rain also resulted in flooded homes, power outages, and damage to bridges and roads. President Luis Abinader described it as “the biggest rain event in the country’s history” and announced that classes in schools would be suspended until Wednesday to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Furthermore, the US embassy stated that the rain, which is a result of a tropical cyclone, will continue to affect parts of the country on Monday. Most of the 32 provinces in the country remain under red and yellow weather alerts.
Sadly, among those who lost their lives were four American citizens and three individuals from neighboring Haiti, according to AFP news agency. The Dominican Republic is still grappling with its aftermath as rescue efforts continue in full swing to help those affected by this devastating natural disaster.