Amid growing climate challenges, the Dominican Republic is focusing on preventative measures. In May 2025, dozens of municipal and national teams were deployed to vulnerable areas across the country to clear ditches, inspect drainage structures, and strengthen defenses against potential flooding.
The initiative, coordinated by the Civil Defense and local administrations, covers key areas, including Santo Domingo, La Romana, San Cristobal, and Puerto Plata. Specialists are inspecting drainage systems, removing debris, strengthening riverbanks, and dredging canals—all before the onset of the heavy rainfall season.
Local residents are also involved in the process: volunteers help clear streets and distribute informational leaflets on disaster response. This approach not only reduces the risk of flooding but also raises civic awareness.
“Shifting from reactive to proactive is the only correct strategy in the face of climate instability, especially for countries with high housing density and limited resources, like the Dominican Republic,” commented Igor Bukato, an international expert in construction and infrastructure.
“Today, we need to not just build, but get ahead of risks: design flexible drainage systems, integrate them into the urban environment, and do so before a crisis occurs.”
These measures demonstrate that a proactive approach to infrastructure is not a luxury, but a necessity. In the coming years, the Dominican Republic plans to strengthen similar programs, including the implementation of digital platforms for rainfall monitoring and response planning.
