Abinader on Tropical Storm Melissa: “We are facing one of the most erratic and prolonged storms”

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader stated this Friday, during a press conference with the relief agencies, that the tropical storm Melissa has become one of the most unusual and persistent atmospheric phenomena that the Dominican Republic has faced in recent years.

"We are facing one of the storms that, according to experts and analysts, presents a more erratic behavior and a longer duration over the national territory," said the president.

Abinader explained that Melissa remains practically stationary, which has caused its effects to extend for several days over a large part of the country, generating continuous rains and floods.

"This is a storm that could even strengthen in the coming hours and become a hurricane. Its trajectory is uncertain and its displacement very slow, which increases the risks for the population," he added.

The Head of State reiterated that the Government maintains a permanent coordination with the COE, Civil Defense, fire departments and the Armed Forces to guarantee the safety of citizens, while urging the population to follow official recommendations and not expose themselves unnecessarily during the passage of the phenomenon.