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Weather Alert – U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (August 23, 2023)
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10 MINUTE READ
August 23, 2023

Location:  Throughout Dominican Republic

Event:  Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Franklin is expected to continue across portions of the Dominican Republic into Thursday, August 24.  The heavy rainfall is expected to produce significant and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding as well as mudslides, particularly over central Hispaniola.  The Dominican government ordered the closure of all non-essential establishments starting at noon August 22 through August 23.  At this time, hospitals remain open for emergency services only, and airports remain open, although circumstances could change.  If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

The Embassy is closed to the public August 23 and 24, including the cancellation of routine in-person services such as visa, passport, and notarial appointments.  The Consular Section will reschedule cancelled appointments as soon as possible.  The Consular Section plans on re-opening for in-person appointments Friday, August 25.

U.S. citizens needing assistance should call 809-567-7775 or email SDOAmericans@state.gov.

Consular Agency Puerto Plata will be closed for routine in-person services tomorrow, August 24.  U.S. citizens needing assistance in the area can call 809-586-4204 or email PuertoPlataConsularAgency@state.gov.

Consular Agency Punta Cana will be open for routine in-person services on Thursday, August 24.

Actions to Take:

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
  • Move to higher ground or higher floors to avoid rising waters.
  • Stay off bridges and do not move through flood water.
  • If your vehicle is stuck in water, only depart the vehicle for higher ground if it is safe to do so; check for water depth, and that water is not swiftly moving (as little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can make adults fall, and 1 foot of moving water can move vehicles).
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside.  If water is rising inside of the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
  • Remain current on weather, road and water conditions through news sources such as the National Hurricane Center,  https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
  • Contact police or other authorities if you encounter dangerous conditions and follow warnings and directions provided.  If you have an emergency, call 911.  The tourist police (POLITUR) central number is 809-200-3500 (assistance available in English) or via mobile app “POLITUR APP”.
  • Spanish language alerts are available from the website of the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) http://www.coe.gob.do/ or via their mobile app “alertaCOE”.
  • U.S. citizen residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Program, which enables the Embassy to share both emergency and routine information relevant to the Dominican Republic at https://step.state.gov/.
  • Visit Ready.gov for tips on emergency preparedness.
  • Update and review your family’s contingency plans.  All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Make sure your travel documents are up to date and easily accessible.
  • If you are in an emergency and are safe, be sure to notify friends and loved ones.

Assistance:

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