The Dominican Republic experienced heavy rain over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people and forcing thousands from their homes, according to local officials. One of the most tragic incidents was a landslide that occurred in Santo Domingo when heavy rain caused the wall of a highway tunnel to collapse, claiming nine lives.
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) reported that the rain also led to flooded homes, power outages, and damage to bridges and roads. President Luis Abinader described it as “the biggest rain event in our country’s history” and suspended classes in schools until Wednesday to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Additionally, the US embassy stated that the rain, which is due to a tropical cyclone, is expected to continue in parts of the country on Monday. Most of the 32 provinces in the country are still under red and yellow weather alerts.
Sadly, among those killed were four American citizens and three from neighboring Haiti, according to AFP news agency. This tragedy highlights how devastating natural disasters can be for individuals and communities alike.
