Dominican Republic raises weather alerts as vaguade brings heavy rain and flood risk

The Dominican Republic’s Centro de Operaciones de Emergencias (COE) issued a series of alerts after a weather trough, known as a vaguade, moved across the nation. Strong afternoon showers, thunderstorms, gusty winds and occasional hail prompted the agency to place two provinces—Monte Plata and Sánchez Ramírez—in yellow alert, while eight other provinces, including the Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo, Santiago and La Vega, were kept in green alert.

Authorities warned of heightened danger of urban and rural flooding, river overflows and landslides. In Duarte province, the Defensa Civil reported that swollen rivers left the community of Los Contreras completely cut off, and rescue teams saved four youths trapped by rising waters in Monte Plata. Maritime operations were restricted along both the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts, with small vessels advised to stay near shore due to abnormal winds and waves.

The COE urged residents to avoid crossing rivers, streams or canals with high water flow, refrain from using swimming pools, and keep children under close supervision. Emergency committees and civil‑defense units remain on standby to respond to any further incidents.