Parts of Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic experienced heavy rains from Tropical Storm Melissa on Wednesday, with meteorologists warning of the risk of widespread flooding in the northern Caribbean region, and officials urging residents in low-lying areas to move to safe heights.
In the Dominican Republic, President Luis Abinader announced the closure of schools in nine provinces on Wednesday and Thursday, with the work of government departments and non-essential private companies suspended. Dozens of residents in the south of the country took refuge in shelters, while about 500 volunteers from rescue teams deployed to provide assistance. The authorities also reported that dozens of water supply networks were out of service, affecting more than half a million subscribers.
In Haiti, residents expressed their fears of devastating floods, especially with the spread of soil erosion, which has exacerbated the damage of previous storms.
As for Jamaica, Minister of Water and Environment Matthew Samuda confirmed the provision of 881 ready-made shelters when needed, with the courts closed on Wednesday afternoon, and education transferred to a remote mode on Thursday.
