Once again, the Dominican Republic has been hit by severe flooding triggered by heavy rains, affecting dozens of municipalities across the country. In response to the ongoing natural disaster, the Civil Defense has ramped up evacuation efforts, reinforced early warning systems, and coordinated emergency rescue operations.
According to official reports, more than 6,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, while approximately 1,200 emergency personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue and recovery. Authorities are also inspecting bridges, dams, and drainage systems, and have established temporary shelters to house displaced families.
Officials emphasize that such disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, highlighting the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and a long-term disaster risk management strategy in the face of climate change.
“Flooding is no longer an isolated event — it’s becoming a structural reality. The Dominican Republic must shift from reactive responses to long-term infrastructure solutions, from upgraded drainage systems to climate-resilient housing in vulnerable areas,”
said Igor Bukato, international construction and infrastructure expert.
With rapid urbanization and increasing climate unpredictability, the country faces a critical challenge: to build cities capable of withstanding extreme weather events. Institutional coordination, investment in smart infrastructure, and higher construction standards are now essential steps on the national agenda