Tropical Storm Franklin Causes Destruction in Dominican Republic, Resulting in One Fatality
Tropical Storm Franklin wreaked havoc in the Dominican Republic, leading to heavy floods and landslides in the southern regions of the country. Sadly, one person lost their life and two others were injured as a result of this catastrophic event.
By Wednesday afternoon, Franklin had started moving away from Hispaniola, the island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, but not before subjecting the area to continuous hours of rainfall. Forecasters had predicted significant amounts of rainfall for both nations.
The Dominican Republic was anticipated to receive up to 12 inches of rain, with the western and central regions preparing for an astonishing 16 inches. Haiti, on the other hand, was expecting up to 4 inches, while the eastern parts faced the possibility of witnessing nearly 8 inches of rainfall.
In light of this situation, Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of emergency operations, urged the residents of the nation to remain indoors and prioritize the safety of their homes. He also advised them to seek refuge in shelters if necessary.
Tragically, reports confirmed that a man named Carlos Marino MartÃnez lost his life due to the floodwaters in San Cristobal. In the same city, two women were injured as a result of a landslide caused by the storm.
The aftermath of the storm saw more than 350 individuals seeking safety in shelters. Search operations were initiated for a 54-year-old man with mental health challenges who went missing after jumping into a creek.
The impact of Franklin’s torrents led to the evacuation of 280 residents, while six communities became isolated due to the relentless rains. The storm toppled numerous trees, caused the collapse of light posts, and resulted in flooded homes, turning streets into turbulent rivers.
San Cristobal witnessed a roof collapse, and several structures throughout the nation experienced walls giving way under the pressure of the storm.
The effects of the storm were also felt in Puerto Rico, where authorities launched a desperate search for two scuba divers who went missing in storm-induced turbulent waters south of the U.S. territory.
By Wednesday evening, the storm had repositioned itself approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Grand Turk Island, with winds reaching up to 40 mph and moving northward at a speed of 13 mph.
Haiti’s vulnerability to flooding, stemming from extensive erosion, had officials particularly concerned about the potential impact of the storm.
Anticipating the arrival of Franklin, the Dominican Republic took necessary precautionary measures. These included the closure of educational institutions, government offices, and several airports. Additionally, 25 out of 31 provinces were put on high alert.
Reports indicated that essential services were disrupted, leaving over 346,000 people without electricity and rendering 120 aqueducts inoperable, affecting around 1.6 million consumers.
It is crucial for the affected regions to receive significant support and aid as they grapple with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Franklin. The focus should be on providing relief and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected individuals and communities during these challenging times.
