Anexo un informe de situación del Sistema de Naciones Unidas en República Dominicana, sobre la tormenta tropical Olga.
Wednesday 12 December 07.00 am.
The centre of Tropical Storm Olga passed through the middle of the Dominican Republic overnight Tuesday to Wednesday on a direct westward path. Heavy rains had started in the east and north of the country on Tuesday morning. Because of the unusual shape of the storm, the major impact has been felt in northern parts of the country especially along the north and northeast coast. In fact the major areas of heavy rain associated with TS Olga are well to the north of the country (see NHC water vapour map). Periods of heavy rain and wind gusts approaching storm force were felt and initial reports indicate overflowing rivers in several locations and damage to houses in vulnerable locations.
Unlike for TS Noel national authorities were well prepared and issued alert warnings early on as well as evacuating people from vulnerable areas before the storm crossed. Red alert warnings were issued on Tuesday for 24 out of 32 provinces and yellow alert for the remaining 8. Provincial and local emergency committees were mobilized. On Tuesday evening the red alert was extended to the whole country. The Ministry of Education suspended classes in schools throughout the country as of Tuesday morning.
Under normal circumstance TS Olga might not be regarded as a major calamity but coming so soon after TS Noel its impact is likely to be quite serious particularly in those areas still recovering from Noel such as the Bajo Yuna basin.
Up to last night the Emergency Operation Committee (COE) reported 187 houses affected and 900+ families evacuated to safer areas in the Nagua area in the north and in other areas. These figures are likely to increase during the course of Wednesday. The storm is moving quickly and its impact is expected to be over by Wednesday afternoon although periods of heavy rain in the “tail” could cause problems through Thursday.
As of this morning no human casualties have been reported.
Damage due to wind is expected to be limited and the main threats are from swollen rivers and gullies, low lying areas and vulnerable riverbanks as with Noel. Indications are that the impact will not be as severe as with Noel but could seriously complicate post-Noel recovery in areas that will have been hit twice.
UN system has re-activated emergency systems and is monitoring situation closely.
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