NewsWhore
05-28-2008, 05:10 PM
According to Colonel Juan Manuel Mendez Garcia, the head of the government's Emergency Operations Center (COE), 80% of the Dominican population lives precariously close to areas prone to flooding or landslides. This becomes more important as the 2008 hurricane season begins, officially on 1 June. Families in the areas of Bonao, San Francisco de Macoris, Nagua, Puerto Plata, Montecristi, San Cristobal and Monte Plata have become increasingly aware of the threats presented by incessant downpours that often occur at this time of the year. According to Listin Diario reporter Adriana Peguero, Mendez Garcia said that the entire coastline is a danger zone, given the experiences of past years. Even areas considered safe, such as the town of Nigua in San Cristobal province, are now in danger of flooding because sedimentation has put the Nizao riverbed two meters above the town. In general, according to Deputy Environment Minister Victor Garcia, most of the country's major river systems suffered significant sedimentation during last year's late season tropical storms Noel and Olga.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)