Situation Report No.1: Dominican Republic - Hurricane Melissa. 29 Oct. 2025

Highlights:

On October 21, 2025, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) declared yellow and green alert levels in 22 provinces and the National District due to potential river, stream, and ravine overflows, as well as sudden or urban flooding caused by the advance of Tropical Storm Melissa. Preventive evacuations were ordered in areas under yellow alert.

The National Council for Prevention, Mitigation, and Response, led by the President of the Republic, ordered the suspension of classes and public and private work activities, especially in provinces under red alert.

Hurricane Melissa continues to bring varied precipitation across the country, with occasional moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms, and wind gusts affecting Pedernales, Barahona, Bahoruco, Azua, San José de Ocoa, La Vega, Peravia, and Monseñor Nouel. These weather conditions are expected to extend and intensify in San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, Sánchez Ramírez, Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Samaná. Preventive measures are recommended due to possible urban flooding, river and stream overflows, and landslides in high-risk areas.

The Ministry of Public Health has activated the Health Emergency Operations Centers (COE-Salud) and intensified epidemiological surveillance, focusing on four provinces under red alert (Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, and Bahoruco) and nine under yellow alert (San José de Ocoa, Elías Piña, Dajabón, Azua, San Cristóbal, Peravia, Monte Plata, San Juan, and Monte Cristi), ensuring interinstitutional coordination and continuous information flow with Provincial and Area Health Directorates (DPS/DAS).

Thirteen health facilities were reported affected by power outages, leaks, limited access, and flooding in eight provinces and the National District.

Thirty-two potable water supply systems are out of operation nationwide due to high turbidity levels, river overflows, and preventive shutdowns.