Tropical Storm Franklin wreaked havoc in the Dominican Republic, causing heavy floods and landslides in the country’s southern areas.
Reports are that the catastrophe led to the death of one individual and left two injured.
By Wednesday afternoon, Franklin had begun to distance itself from Hispaniola, the island jointly inhabited by the Dominican Republic and Haiti , but not before drenching the area in hours of continuous rain.
Forecasters projected substantial rainfall for both countries.
The Dominican Republic was poised to receive up to 12 inches, with western and central regions bracing for a staggering 16 inches. Haiti’s forecast showed up to 4 inches, with its eastern parts potentially witnessing nearly 8 inches of rain.
Safety calls amid rising waters
Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of emergency operations, urged the nation’s residents to remain indoors, emphasizing the safety of their homes, or seek refuge in shelters.
According to reports, in San Cristobal, a man named Carlos Marino Martínez tragically lost his life due to the floodwaters.
Reports are that in the same city, two women sustained injuries due to a landslide.
The storm’s aftermath also saw over 350 individuals seeking safety in shelters. Search efforts were underway for a 54-year-old man with mental health challenges who vanished after leaping into a creek.
More on Tropical Storm Franklin
- Tropical Storm Franklin brings heavy rain to Haiti, Dominican Republic
- Storm Watch: Haiti, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic on alert for Tropical Storm Franklin
Destruction in its path
Franklin’s torrents resulted in the evacuation of 280 residents. Six communities were isolated due to the relentless rains.
The storm also toppled numerous trees, took down light posts, and flooded homes, transforming streets into turbulent rivers.
San Cristobal bore witness to a roof collapse, and walls of several structures around the nation gave way under the storm’s pressure.
Neighboring regions on alert
The strom’s ripples were felt in Puerto Rico as well.
Authorities embarked on a desperate search for two scuba divers who went missing amidst storm-induced turbulent waters south of the U.S. territory.
By Wednesday evening, the storm had repositioned itself approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Grand Turk Island, boasting winds of up to 40 mph and traveling northwards at 13 mph.
Tropical Storm Franklin’s anticipated impact
Haiti’s vulnerability to flooding, stemming from its extensive erosion, had officials particularly anxious about the storm’s potential impact.
In anticipation of Franklin, the Dominican Republic had taken preventative measures.
Educational institutions, government offices, and several airports were closed, with a significant 25 out of 31 provinces on high alert.
Reports are that the storm disrupted essential services, leaving over 346,000 without electricity and putting 120 aqueducts out of operation, affecting a massive 1.6 million consumers.
