Starts 2026 underwater; COE extends weather alerts in 12 provinces due to trough and front system

Santo Domingo.– The Emergency Operations Center (COE) reported the extension of meteorological alert levels to 12 provinces, due to the incidence of a trough associated with a frontal system, which will continue to cause significant rainfall during the beginning of the year. According to the second COE bulletin, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, the National District and Santo Domingo province are on yellow alert due to the higher probability of intense downpours and possible urban flooding. Meanwhile, the provinces of María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, Duarte, La Romana, La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor and Monte Plata remain on green alert, where moderate to heavy rainfall is expected. The director of the COE, Juan Manuel Méndez, urged the population to remain attentive to official reports and take the necessary precautions, as an increase in rainfall is expected after midday on this first day of the year.

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The agency also issued recommendations for operators of fragile, small and medium-sized vessels sailing on the Caribbean coast, urging them to do so with extreme caution today and tomorrow, Thursday, due to reduced visibility, showers, electrical discharges, wind gusts and abnormal waves. Likewise, the COE called on citizens to maintain contact with rescue organizations, such as Civil Defense, Armed Forces, Dominican Red Cross, National Police, Fire Department and the COE itself, and to follow civil protection guidelines. In the event of heavy rains, residents in vulnerable areas were advised to take preventive measures against river overflows and flash floods, as well as to refrain from crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with high water volume and not to use spas in the provinces under alert.