Rio Barrero overflows in Los Ríos, causing flooding and bridge blockages

Heavy rainfall in the Sierra de Neiba caused the Rio Barrero to overflow on Wednesday evening, impacting the municipality of Los Ríos in the Bahoruco province. The surge, which lasted from approximately 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, carried logs, mud, and sediment, blocking the bridge connecting Los Ríos with Las Clavellinas and other communities.

While no human fatalities or residential damages were reported, two motorcyclists were swept away by the current, and one motorcycle was buried in sediment. The flooding surrounded the perimeter of the local Justice of the Peace court and caused significant damage to agricultural lands and rural roads.

Mayor Martha Cuevas Féliz requested assistance from public and private institutions to clear debris and restore transit. Mechanical shovels were deployed to remove accumulated material. Authorities warned that a period of heavy rain, driven by a cold front and tropical moisture, could persist for five to seven days, potentially leading to further significant flooding in the Dominican Republic.