Rueda de Prensa junto a indomet 10/4/2026

Emergency Operations Center Update

Introduction to the Emergency Situation

• The meeting begins with a welcome from the Emergency Operations Center, addressing attendees about the current weather situation and inviting various representatives from different organizations.

Key Personnel and Organizations Involved

• Acknowledgment of Juan Manuel Mendes García, Director of the Emergency Operations Center, along with representatives from multiple agencies including DAIS, ASAC, Politur, Cruz Roja, and others involved in disaster management.

Weather Forecast Overview

• Juan Manuel Mendes emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather developments through INDOMED (Dominican Meteorological Institute), which provides scientific data for emergency operations.

Expected Weather Conditions

• Gloria Ceballos discusses an approaching active trough associated with a frontal system that will bring moderate to heavy rainfall starting midday across several municipalities.

Rainfall Predictions

• The National Forecast Center warns of accumulated rainfall between 100 to 125 millimeters over the next 24 to 48 hours, with potential higher amounts in isolated areas.

Detailed Weather Outlook for Upcoming Days

• On Saturday, conditions are expected to worsen due to abundant moisture leading to variable intensity rains throughout the day. Initial light rain will intensify by afternoon.

• Heavy downpours are anticipated on Sunday and Monday as the frontal system remains nearly stationary north of the country. This could lead to significant rainfall especially in central regions.

Risks Associated with Weather Changes

• The ongoing unstable atmosphere may cause scattered showers that could escalate into strong thunderstorms later in the day. Residents are advised to stay alert for updates.

Public Safety Recommendations

• Authorities recommend vigilance regarding possible changes in alert levels due to increased risks of flash floods and landslides over the next few days.

Maritime Conditions Advisory

• While maritime conditions are currently unrestricted, an increase in wave activity is expected along the Atlantic coast starting tomorrow; safety recommendations will be issued accordingly.

Final Remarks from Emergency Operations Center

• General Juan Manuel Méndez reiterates heightened alert levels for specific provinces based on protocols established between various agencies involved in disaster response efforts.

Contact Information for Emergencies

• Citizens are encouraged to remain informed through official bulletins and can reach out via emergency numbers provided for any urgent concerns or inquiries related to weather impacts.

Emergency Response to Flooding Concerns

Public Safety Measures and Alerts

• A question was raised regarding the safety of saturated soils in provinces under alert, prompting a call for public caution and actions from civil defense to prevent access to dangerous water bodies.

• The use of rivers for bathing is prohibited in all provinces on alert, as stated in an operational bulletin that will be released following the press conference.

• Recent incidents, such as vehicles being stranded due to sudden river flooding, highlight the importance of adhering to warnings issued by authorities like INDOME.

• Evacuations are mandated in areas with yellow alerts according to established protocols; local authorities are responsible for implementing these measures effectively.

• Civil defense has closed certain areas and implemented protocols based on the type of event and alerts issued by emergency operations centers.

Shelter Availability and Rainfall Accumulation

• There are 2,742 shelters available for over 800,000 people; information about these shelters can be accessed via QR codes shared on social media platforms.

• The Emergency Operations Center is activated concerning rainfall accumulation; comparisons with past events indicate each situation is unique and should not be directly compared.

• Recent rainfall events show significant differences: while one event had nearly 400 mm of rain within a short period, current forecasts predict around 250 mm over a longer duration (120 hours).

Future Weather Predictions

• The Emergency Operations Center will adjust alert levels as necessary based on ongoing rainfall patterns; upcoming weather systems may lead to increased precipitation intensity.

• Significant rainfall is expected until Tuesday, with conditions improving gradually after Wednesday as weather systems shift eastward.

Understanding Localized Weather Impacts

• Even if some regions appear clear or sunny, localized rain can disrupt connectivity between municipalities, necessitating alerts based on hydro conditions rather than just general weather observations.

• Protocol adherence is crucial when issuing alerts; accurate forecasting from INDOME helps ensure timely responses from emergency operations.

Emergency Response Discussion

Impact of Recent Flooding

• The discussion begins with concerns about the 32 families affected by Wednesday's rains, questioning their current living situation and whether they were relocated to shelters or family homes.

• There is a call for clarity on the status of these families, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting on their conditions post-disaster.

Role of Civil Defense in Emergency Operations

• A representative from civil defense is introduced to explain the operational structure of emergency response, highlighting that many technical personnel may lack understanding of how the operations center functions.

• The emergency operations center consists of five working groups: infrastructure, health, shelter, emergencies, and logistics. This structure aims to streamline responses during crises.

Shelter Management and Support Services

• The shelter management is led by civil defense in collaboration with other institutions to ensure proper sanitation and food supply for those displaced. DASA (the agency responsible for food distribution) plays a crucial role in this process.

• Specific mention is made of an opened shelter at "el túnel del capotillo," indicating where some displaced individuals have been accommodated temporarily. However, it’s noted that many sought refuge with friends or family instead of official shelters.

Damage Assessment and Resource Allocation

• Concerns are raised regarding reports stating that some homes were completely destroyed due to flooding; there’s a request for further explanation on how resources are being allocated to assist affected individuals.

• The MIBE (Ministry of Public Works) will provide updates on assistance efforts including food supplies and essential items for those whose homes were severely impacted by the disaster. This highlights inter-agency cooperation in disaster response efforts.

Communication Channels During Emergencies

• Emphasis is placed on maintaining open communication among various agencies involved in emergency management; all parties are encouraged to utilize available platforms such as WhatsApp groups for real-time updates during ongoing alerts like yellow alerts due to hydro-meteorological events.

• Various channels including YouTube and social media platforms are mentioned as vital sources for timely information dissemination regarding emergency situations and resource availability. Additionally, an application named "alerta CO-RD" is highlighted as a tool for receiving precise updates quickly.