Severe Storms Hit Dominican Republic and Haiti, Floods Leave 19 Dead and Tens of Thousands Displaced

(CNA, Santo Domingo, 16th, Composite Foreign Dispatch) Caribbean nations Dominican Republic and Haiti have recently been battered by torrential rains and flooding. According to the latest statistics from officials and the Red Cross, at least 19 people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced.

According to AFP, severe storms began continuously dumping heavy rain on the two countries located on Hispaniola Island on the 7th. Although the rainfall has slowed in recent hours, authorities remain on high alert.

Haiti's civil protection agency reported on the 14th that a total of 12 people died across several provinces. Official figures released yesterday in the Dominican Republic confirmed 7 deaths.

Emergency response officials stated that at least 30,500 people have been evacuated and displaced from their homes in the Dominican Republic, with at least 6,500 homes damaged and dozens of communities cut off from communication.

Last week, authorities suspended school classes and shortened working hours due to the heavy rain, and the capital, Santo Domingo, experienced power outages.

Local meteorologists predict that rainfall will continue for the next few days, with the possibility of hail. (Translated by: Ho Hung-ju) 1150416