After 5 quiet years since Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma, a new and powerful hurricane has caused damage in the Caribbean countries. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic both felt the inclemency of nature on September 19 of 2022.
So far, hundreds of people have been evacuated and suffered blackouts and material losses in both countries. And unfortunately, Hurricane Fiona has been upgraded to a category 4 this Wednesday 21.
According to experts, the warming of the surface of the oceans increased the frequency of the most powerful hurricanes. Anya Williams, vice governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, said Hurricane Fiona was “unpredictable.”
These islands are the next to be hit by the hurricane while makes its way across the Caribbean.
What is Happening in Punta Cana?
The tourist destination of Punta Cana is suffering the consequences of the hurricane. Most of the island is dealing with blackouts. All its main attractions are out of service to take care of its citizens and tourists.
You can see collapsed palm trees and severely damaged boats and restaurants around the beaches of Punta Cana.
The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, declared three provinces as disaster areas: La Altagracia (where the popular resort of Punta Cana is), Hato Mayor and El Seibo.
The Damages of Hurricane Fiona
Nearly 800 people had to be evacuated on Monday in the Dominican Republic and moved to shelters due to winds of up to 150km/h and heavy rains.
Poor areas such as Nagua, Bávaro, Verón y Friusa are totally devastated, 400,000 people around these towns are without electricity, and 1.2 million are without water.
So far, the hurricane has left five people dead: one in the French overseas territory of Guadalupe, two in Puerto Rico, and two in the Dominican Republic.
Actions Taken by the Government
Due to this devastating situation, the Dominican Government declared Monday as a “non-working day” to “safeguard the lives of all workers and employers” in the country and “take the necessary measures to protect the nation’s assets”.
Likewise, it was reported that the Ministry of Education suspended classes until Wednesday 21 and that the whole nation should be attentive to the alerts issued by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Joe Biden, President of the United States, declared a state of emergency since this territory has the status of the commonwealth of the United States, an issue that allows the release of federal funds for relief efforts.
On the other hand, the president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, has canceled his participation in the United Nations General Assembly this Tuesday in New York, and is making a visit to some of the areas most affected by Fiona.
How And Where You Can Help People Affected by Hurricane Fiona?
After Hurricane Fiona hit the Dominican Republic, dozens of people were left homeless. Schools, shopping centers and universities have come together, both in Santo Domingo and Santiago, to help these people.
Among the supplies that you can donate are:
- Water.
- Canned food.
- Powdered milk.
- Pasta.
- Disposable diapers.
- Sanitary napkins.
- Light bulbs.
- Batteries.
- Medicines.
- Cleaning products
- Clothing of all ages, mats, sheets, and towels.
Collection Centers in Santo Domingo and Santiago
A warning of urban flooding as well as landslides in several provinces of the country remains in effect. Due to this, below we have a list of places where you can donate the supplies listed before.
- Kids Create in Evaristo Morales
- Productiva: Calle Parabola No. 11, Urb. Fernández
- Plaza Coral Mall, San Isidro Highway
- American School of Santo Domingo in Cuesta Hermosa and Arroyo Hondo.
- Saint Joseph School: Pedro Henríquez Ureña, 95. La Esperilla
- Pedro Henriquez Ureña University (UNPHU)
- Carrito de Marchena y Puerta del Sol, Santiago
- Golds Gym at KM 8 1/2 of Independencia, D.N.