Thousands Displaced, Seeking Medical Aid Following Torrential Rain, Flooding in Dominican Republic

Country: Dominican Republic Source: Direct Relief Direct Relief is providing medical support to local organizations after extreme weather has impacted parts of the country. Recent emergency medical aid builds on more than $18 million in support to organizations in the Dominican Republic over the past year. By Olivia Lewis Over 30,000 residents were asked to evacuate northwest Dominican Republic after the Caribbean nation endured torrential rains in early April. Since the first storms, rains continued into May, creating dangerous conditions in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At least 19 people have died from the severe weather, and thousands more have been displaced. The ongoing rain has caused extreme flooding, and widespread damage to local infrastructure, including residential properties, roadways, and bridges. In response to the ongoing weather event, Direct Relief is preparing a shipment of critical medicines, medical supplies, cold chain equipment, nutrition assistance, and personal care items to help displaced residents in the Dominican Republic. Direct Relief is working with Fundación Solidaria del Divino Niño Jesús, or FSDNJ, a long-time partner organization in the country. FSDNJ is responding in the Puerto Plata region and coordinating with country officials and agencies, including the Ministry of Health, healthcare facilities, and shelters, to distribute Direct Relief-donated products and provide healthcare services. In addition to more than $18 million in medical support provided to organizations in the Dominican Republic over the past year, Direct Relief supported the expansion of cold chain storage for critical medications. El Niño, Extreme Weather, and Health Impacts Excessive rain and flood conditions can create conditions for waterborne and communicable diseases to thr...

Original source: Relief Web