Dominican Republic begins to feel indirect effects of Hurricane Beryl

SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic began to feel this Tuesday the indirect effects of Hurricane Beryl, with the country’s emergency services on alert to respond to any unexpected situations caused by the development of the phenomenon, which has already caused damage in several Caribbean countries.

According to forecasts for the phenomenon, Category 5 Beryl is heading towards Jamaica, threatening the Dominican Republic and southern Haiti. It is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season and it remains a dangerous system with maximum sustained winds of 270 km/h (165 mph).

Considering this panorama, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Twenty-four of the country’s 32 departments are on alert, including two in red (maximum) – Barahona and Pedernales (in the southwest), where the indirect effects of the hurricane are already evident, with civil protection departments starting preventive evacuations and education authorities suspending classes.

You may also be interested in: Natural disasters kill 1,784 in Democratic Republic of Congo

Meanwhile, 15 regions, including Santo Domingo and the National District, are under yellow alert (intermediate level), while another seven are under green alert (the lowest level).

The COE warned that maritime conditions will deteriorate in the coming hours and advised vessels to remain in port from Miches (El Seibo) to Beata Island due to the dangerous and strong waves generated by this tropical system.

Likewise, he urged people not to go near the coast to watch for strong waves that will be generated by the passage of Hurricane Beryl to avoid damage from debris thrown up by possible freak waves.

Authorities continued to take preventive measures on Tuesday, including one from the Ministry of Labour calling on businesses to increase flexibility in working days in provinces under red alert.

In a statement, the ministry also urged the postponement of non-essential business activities, especially in Barahona and Pedernales, and called on employers to take the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of workers and make the working day more flexible so that “they can return to work safely if necessary.”

Meanwhile, the Transport Reorganization Office (Opret) reported that the Santo Domingo Cable Car Line 1 was suspended due to gusty winds caused by the advancing cyclone.