The Central Bank raises its interest rate 25 points and takes it from 8 % to 8.25 %

Santo Domingo, DR
The Central Bank (BCRD), at its September 2022 policy meeting, decided last night to increase its monetary policy interest rate (TPM) by 25 basis points, from 8.00 % to 8.25 % per annum.

Thus, the rate on the standing liquidity expansion facility (1-day Repos) goes from 8.50 % to 8.75 % p.a. and the rate on interest-bearing deposits (Overnight) from 7.50 % to 7.75 % p.a.

“This decision is based on a thorough evaluation of the recent behavior of the economy, especially inflationary pressures,” says the monetary entity.

With regard to external factors, there has recently been a moderation in commodity prices, particularly oil and food; as well as in container shipping costs, which have gone from a peak of about US$20,000 per container from ports on the Asian continent in 2021 to a global average of about US$4,000 per container at present.

Inflation falls

The monthly variation of the consumer price index (CPI) stood at 0.21% during August 2022, the lowest in the last 27 months, says the BCRD.

The United States will provide three million dollars to finance an agricultural project in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, DR
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Robert Thomas, announced that the government he represents would provide three million dollars to finance a project to help Dominican farmers.

The plan to which the funds will be allocated seeks to reduce the use of fertilizers, increase production and use biofertilizers to improve climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The announcement was made by Thomas as part of a day of visits to various locations in the Cibao to meet with government, political, and business leaders in the region and to support the Dominican agricultural sector.

Together with the Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz, Thomas toured the facilities of the Bio-Rice experimental laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for research, technological development, and training related to Dominican rice production.

During the visit, the diplomat observed the production practices, pest and disease control, and efforts to promote the efficient use of inputs carried out by the Dominican Government from that agency.

In Santiago, Thomas attended the thirty-fifth edition of the Expo Cibao business fair, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Production of that province, where he witnessed the products and services offered by the region’s leading companies in various industries such as technology, logistics, finance, sales, administration, cybersecurity, microfinance, banking, and health, among others.

Robert Thomas also visited the Ramada dairy farm, which has received technical assistance from the U.S. Government in improved reproduction techniques, livestock genetics, artificial insemination, and pasture rotation systems.

In Hermanas Mirabal province, the diplomat visited the Casa Museo Hermanas Mirabal, where he shared with members of the Manolito and Minou Tavárez Mirabal family and the former President of the Republic, Jaime David Fernández Mirabal. He also observed the textile collection of the Mirabal sisters, which in 2014 was awarded the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, through the U.S. Embassy, for its preservation and conservation.

The maritime riches of the coasts of Montecristi

Monte Cristi, DR
Montecristi is one of the unmissable options for ecotourism in the country. Characterized by its immense marine life, this place has 47% of all the corals in the Dominican Republic and the highest value of live corals on the island.

Robinson Jiménez, manager of Galleon Divers, pointed out that the diving and excursion center he presides is mainly aimed at nature lovers and that it not only has an underwater archeology center but is made up of ships belonging to the piracy era, where Montecristi played a “historic role” in this critical activity.

“This center is located at the bottom of the sea, with a fishing ban to contribute to the preservation of its state, managing to be a pastime that has been enriched by the Montecristenses,” added Jiménez.

Regarding the corals, he said that this province has the longest coral barrier reef in the nation, consisting of 97 kilometers without interruption.

“Montecristi has the largest marine platform in the country. A coral bank of 14 nautical miles (unit of length in maritime and aerial navigation) to the north by 36 to the west, 5 meters deep,” specified the expert.

With a national park of 500 square kilometers, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources declared four marine protected areas, among which are El Morro National Park, Cayo Siete Hermanos, Montecristi Submarine National Park, the latter contemplates the most extensive coral reef in the country with 49 kilometers of reef, and the Manglares de Estero Balsa National Park, with 30 meters high and a thickness of one meter, something that “is not seen anywhere else.”

Other underwater treasures

Jiménez pointed out that, due to this extensive life in the sea, navigation on the coast is “dangerous”; however, he assures that diving in these waters allows finding “impressive” objects where some of which possess up to 400 years of longevity, which adds value to the ecotourism experiences that take place in this great province.

Keys

Concerns.

“In Montecristi there should be an underwater archaeological park, but the competent authorities have never shown an interest in wanting to preserve part of the history of humanity,” confessed Jiménez.

Likewise, he thinks it is unfair that there is one in La Romana when 80% of the original pieces are from Montecristi.

On the other hand, he showed concern for the black mangrove since it is 60% disappeared.

Florida floods “catastrophically” as a result of Hurricane Ian

With its strong winds and heavy rain, Hurricane Ian raced across the state of Florida on Wednesday, leaving “catastrophic” floods and power disruptions. While Coast Guardsmen were still looking for 20 people, bad weather caused a boat carrying migrants to capsize south of the hurricane’s path, close to the Florida Keys. Four of the castaways were able to swim to land, while three needed to be pulled from the water.

According to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), Ian made landfall at Cayo Costa, in the southwest of the state, around 15:05 local time (19:05 GMT), with sustained winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour. As a result, Hurricane Ian caused “catastrophic flooding,” according to the Center, which also decreased the hurricane’s intensity to category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, from one to five, despite the fact that it was still very hazardous.

According to the specialized website PowerOutage, which tracks power outages in the US, Ian left roughly two million homes in Florida without energy at nightfall on Wednesday, particularly in places in the hurricane’s path. According to the same source, many of the counties close to the area where Ian made landfall were virtually without power.

The NHC predicts that Ian, which has already wreaked havoc on western Cuba in recent days, will proceed towards Florida for the remainder of the day before reemerging over the western Atlantic on Thursday night.

Sunclass Airlines to operate flight between Stockholm and Punta Cana

Sunclass Airlines will become the first airline in Scandinavia to acquire the A330-900 model, and it will be used to reactivate long-haul flights to leisure and beach destinations from winter 2022/23, such as the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Mexico, Jamaica, and Vietnam, from different points in the Nordic region.

In the case of the DR, the airline has scheduled a flight from Stockholm to Punta Cana and Oslo from November 11, 2022, to March 2023. It has also scheduled nine flights from Stockholm to Punta Cana and Copenhagen. Also, a connection from Oslo / to Punta Cana / Oslo.

“The expansion and enhancement of our aircraft fleet is a direct extension of the Nordic strategy of Sunclass Airlines, Ving and their sister regional companies. We are working together as a Nordic unit to generate growth in the form of new destinations, further increase comfort for our passengers and ensure that we emit as little CO2 per passenger as possible,” said Torben Østergaard, CEO of Sunclass Airlines.

It is recalled that Ving AB, a Swedish tour operator, announced that it had signed a contract with Air Lease Corporation, according to Aviation Online.

US airlines will inform passengers of extra fees

New York. Passengers boarding U.S. airlines must be informed about extra charges, including baggage fees, itinerary changes, and seat selection, when they purchase a ticket.

This is stipulated in a new regulation announced a few hours ago by U.S. President Joe Biden, who said: “a passenger cancels and then has to pay a fee to rebook (a ticket).”

“It’s just not fair,” the president said after a meeting with several cabinet members, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Millions of Dominicans, as well as other ethnicities, travel annually on different U.S. airlines, nationally and internationally, and sometimes face problems with airline employees for extra charges in some of these services.

The guidelines for foreign airlines operating in the U.S., such as travel shopping websites, must clearly show when offering a fare to the consumer all costs associated with baggage, changes, cancellations, and group seating, among other things.

“Passengers have the right to know the full and true cost of flights before purchasing a ticket,” Buttigieg’s secretary said in a statement.

This is the second measure announced by the DOT this month, aimed at pressuring airlines to improve customer service.

In early September, the government launched a virtual database that allows consumers to check which airlines offer payment or compensation for cancellations.

Hurricane Ian borders on category 5 in its rapid advance towards Florida

Hurricane Ian quickly gained strength Wednesday off the southwestern coast of Florida, packing top winds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h), bordering on a dangerous Category 5. Strong winds and downpours battered Florida’s populated Gulf Coast. Mexico, with Naples and Sarasota at “maximum risk” of devastating storm surge. US Air Force hurricane hunters confirmed that Ian strengthened over the warm waters of the gulf after sweeping through Cuba, knocking out the power grid and causing a widespread blackout on the island.

The meteor could cause a storm surge of up to 3.6 meters (12 feet), said the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), based in Miami, which asked the population to evacuate the area. danger if they can. The authorities ordered the mandatory evacuation of more than 2.5 million people, although legally the eviction cannot be forced.

As of 7 a.m., Ian’s vortex was about 35 miles (105 kilometers) west-southwest of Naples and moving toward the coast at 10 miles (17 km/h). Floridians scrambled to board up their homes and store their most precious belongings on the upper floors before leaving. “You can’t do anything about natural disasters,” said Vinod Nair, who drove inland from the Tampa area Tuesday with his wife, son, dog and two cats looking for a hotel in the tourist district of Orlando. “We live in a high-risk area, so we thought it best to evacuate.”

Tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph (63 km/h) reached Florida by 3 a.m., with the first hurricanes being recorded at 6 a.m., well before the storm. Up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) of rain could fall near your entrance area. “It’s a strong storm, it’s going to dump a lot of water on its way in,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in Sarasota, a coastal city of 57,000 that is on Ian’s likely path. “And that kind of storm surge is dangerous.”

Ian’s advance slowed over the Gulf, allowing it to grow in size and intensity. Hurricane warnings covered about 220 miles (350 kilometers) of the state’s west coast, including Fort Myers, Tampa and St. Petersburg, which could see the first direct hit by a Category 3 or larger hurricane since 1921.

After hitting western Cuba, Ian threatens Florida as a major hurricane

Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Cuba this Tuesday morning with winds of about 125 miles per hour (205 km/h), will maintain its strength as it crosses the largest of the Antilles and will strengthen when it emerges in the Gulf of Mexico as a major threat to Florida (USA), in the form of storm surge, wind, rain and tornadoes.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported at 0800 hours (1200 GMT) that Ian, category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale (out of a total of 5) is having “significant impacts of winds and storm surge over western Cuba”. At the time of the bulletin, the center of Ian, the fourth hurricane of 2022 in the Atlantic, was located about 10 miles (15 km) northeast of the city of Pinar del Río (Cuba) and about 115 miles (185 km) to the south-southwest. of the Dry Tortugas, one of the Florida Keys.

Beginning tonight Ian, which is moving at about 12 miles per hour (19 km/h) as it passes over western Cuba, turn north-northeast and slow down. Maximum sustained winds are near 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts, and little change in strength is expected as Ian moves over Cuba, although it will strengthen as it moves across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center, and weaker tropical-storm-force winds extend out to 115 miles (185 km). According to the trajectory forecast, after having passed Cuba, Ian will emerge today over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and pass west of the Florida Keys, some of which are under a hurricane warning.

On Wednesday it will approach the west coast of Florida and will make landfall probably that night or early Thursday somewhere in the central part of that coastline as a “dangerous major hurricane.” The warnings and vigilance of the NHC also extend to a sector of central Florida and another of the coast of the southeast coast of the state.

As in Cuba, in the part of Florida included in Ian’s trajectory cone, dangerous storm surges can be produced that, combined with the tide, flood normally dry coastal areas.

In western Cuba, according to the NHC, the sea level can rise between 9 and 14 feet (2.7 to 4.2 meters). The water could reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) above ground level in the Tampa Bay area (Florida), where more than 3.1 million people reside and mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are already in force.

In addition to those sea level rises, accompanied by strong waves at some points, Ian is expected to produce heavy rains in Cuba and Florida, with the risk of flash flooding.

Payment of 10 dollars to Dominican passengers and resident foreigners eliminated

In one month and 15 days, national and foreign air operators that carry out international passenger transport to and from the Dominican Republic will no longer be able to charge US$10.00 for a tourist card on air tickets to Dominicans and foreign residents. Through Resolution 217-2022, the president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), José Ernesto Marte Piantini, instructed air operators to make the necessary adjustments to their computer systems in order for the aforementioned position to be eliminated. .

This measure was adopted after an extraordinary meeting held by the organization he leads and whose only point to discuss was to review the payment mechanism of the tourist card issued by the Dominican Republic, to avoid the illegal collection of the US$10 in air tickets for Dominican passengers and foreign residents.

The document indicates that the airlines that carry out international passenger transport to and from the Dominican Republic are responsible for strict compliance with this resolution. The provision is also valid for foreigners residing in the Dominican Republic and its implementation must be effective and efficient within 45 days, according to a statement issued by the JAC.

The information was also notified to the General Directorate of Migration, the Association of AirLines of the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Association of Air Lines and the Legal Representatives of the National and Foreign Air Operators.

CAB authorizes 13 new routes for five airlines

The Civil Aeronautics Board (JAC) authorized the launching of 13 new routes by five airlines, which will begin between November 2022 and January 2023, as well as the availability of 61 new international routes, which so far do not have an airline to operate them.

Condor, Neos, Swoop, Frontier, and Air Century airlines received authorization to launch 13 new international services.

German airline Condor received permission to fly between Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) and La Romana International Airport (LRM). Condor already flies from Frankfurt (FRA) to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, totaling seven weekly flights via Cirium. Condor will operate these services between November 4, 2022, and April 7, 2023.

In that regard, Neos, the Italian carrier, will also be able to operate flights between Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Verona International Airport (VRN) to La Romana. The Milan-based airline already flies from Milan Malpensa International Airport to La Romana once a week. NEOS will operate 21 flights on the Rome/La Romana route and 14 on the Verona/La Romana/Montego Bay route for a total of 35 round-trip flights from November 4, 2022, to March 25, 2023.

Meanwhile, Canadian low-cost airline Swoop received authorization to operate between Hamilton International Airport (YHM) and Punta Cana. Swoop will begin operations from January 11 to April 26, 2023, with a frequency of one flight per week, on Wednesdays. This airline already flies from Toronto to Punta Cana with two weekly services.

Likewise, Frontier, the ultra-low-cost airline from the United States, has also requested the Dominican authorities to modify its Operating Permit. The airline seeks to fly the Tampa-Santo Domingo and Tampa-Punta Cana routes. The start of these routes from Tampa International Airport (TPA) is projected for November 5, 2022. The airline will use its Airbus A320neo fleet, which has 186 passengers.

Finally, Dominican airline Air Century received authorization to launch seven new international routes. Six of these services will be operated from Las Americas International Airport (AILA) and one from Punta Cana. The destinations of these new routes are Guatemala, Tampa, Costa Rica (the government did not specify whether the route will fly to San Jose or Liberia, Costa Rica’s main destinations), Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Miami. The Miami route will be operated from Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. These routes will be launched in November.

Marc Anthony delights Dominicans with 12 songs at the Olympic Stadium

Marc Anthony is one of those artists that is always worth seeing even if he leaves the public wanting more of him. Such as in his presentation on Thursday night at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium where he only offered the Dominicans 12 songs from his extensive repertoire.

An hour and 20 minutes was the exact time that the people who gathered at the stadium, conditioned for only 15,000 people, enjoyed the Puerto Rican artist on stage.

With a mix of tracks from the songs that he would later perform loudly, Marc Anthony marked his entrance on stage accompanied by his faithful musicians who once again showed his talent with the instruments.

Around 10 pm, full of energy, dressed completely in black and wearing dark glasses, “El Flaco” began with “Pa´llá voy”, the first single from the album of the same name, released recently. The artist set foot on Dominican soil as part of his “Living tour” tour with which he demonstrates that although it has been 29 years since his debut, his style and identity within salsa has earned him affection and recognition. of the public.

Themes such as “Valió la pena ”, “And there was someone”, “Against the current”, were chanted by the spectators out loud, but 12 songs were not enough and they wanted to continue enjoying more. Marc Anthony wasted deliciousness showing that, in addition to being a living legend of salsa, he not only sings it, but also dances it and loves it.

The artist, together with his masterful band, delighted those present with his voice and dance steps while performing some of his hits that have marked generations. Songs like “Until yesterday”, “What price does heaven have” and “Flor pálida” were enough with which its chords will sound so that the public will begin to chant it.

The 54-year-old salsero had little interaction with the Dominican public. “I am at home”, were his first words to the attendees and that is how it is since the artist has a villa in Casa de Campo, La Romana.

Between song and song, Marc Anthony took a moment to blow kisses to his girlfriend, the first finalist of Miss Universe 2021, Nadia Ferreira, his faithful companion since they made their relationship public five months ago. He then paused again to say: “May God bless you and long live the Dominican Republic.”

 The list of songs was followed by “What a price does heaven have”, “Bad”, “I know you well”, “They seem like Friday”, after the latter the singer said goodbye to the public, but it was to return a few minutes later overflowing with Energy. “Tu amor me bien” and “Vivir mi vida” were the songs with which Marc Anthony said goodbye to the Dominicans at 11:25 at night, leaving an audience with the desire to continue enjoying his music.

Abinader promises help to Samaná

Las Galeras, Samaná, DR
President Luis Abinader visited the municipality of Las Galeras, Samaná province, yesterday, where he met with farmers and local authorities. He assured that no family affected by Hurricane Fiona would be left without a helping hand from the Government.

The president said that this is a time for the nation, for the country and that everyone must work together. “And not a single house will be left without being restored, I guarantee it,” he said.

The head of state announced that he deposited RD$2 million to the municipality of Las Galeras to assist those affected and asked the residents to be patient until the necessary help arrived.

The president promised that at the weekend, they would begin a special reconstruction day, covering every corner of the province, with all officials and personnel distributed in each place to ensure no one was left out.

He said that the journey covers a total of 8,300 homes, of which 5,500 correspond to the eastern zone and 2,800 to the northeast, in a tripartite manner, with the participation of municipalities, State institutions, and neighborhood councils.

Protocol for aid
Abinader explained that to carry out the work with the materials that will arrive, such as wood, nails, and zinc, a protocol had been drawn up which involves the participation of the city council, civil society, neighborhood councils, the affected people themselves, and government personnel.

The governor pointed out that up to now, the electricity service has been reestablished to a great extent and that they expect that in about two days, it will be finished in its totality.

He highlighted the presence of the director of INAPA, Wellington Arnaud, who said he is present to bring solutions and ensure the restoration of everything related to the water issue.

He highlighted the help offered by the Dominican-French community and added that the French Development Agency is the one that has collaborated the most with the Dominican Republic.

Abinader informed that ten technicians are already working on the survey of those affected in the agricultural sector. As a result, it has been determined to restructure the payment of the current loans with the Agricultural Bank with up to seven years’ terms and zero interest.

Investment of RD$650 millions for tourism development in La Vega announced

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, announced an investment of more than 650 million pesos in different works to strengthen tourism development in the province of La Vega.

“From the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) we will spare no effort to guarantee the definitive take-off of tourism in this beautiful province,” he said.

He also reiterated that tourism recovery is complete in the Dominican Republic, where more and more visitors are arriving.

He stated that the effort to achieve the recovery of tourism has been worthwhile since thousands of people have returned to their jobs.

“My greatest satisfaction is when I visit a destination and someone comes up to me and tells me that thanks to the work we have done they have recovered their job and with it the economic stability of their family. For me, tourism has a human face. Its welfare must be felt by the people,” the minister emphasized.

The official recalled that in August, Mitur launched its campaign “Tourism in every corner,” whose main objective is to highlight the potential of each province of the country, emphasizing that La Vega has several tourist attractions in each of its municipalities, from nature with a pleasant climate, extreme sports, gastronomy, rivers, mountains, among others.

Cap Cana: Sanctuary the most affected; Margaritaville only operating

The Sanctuary hotel was the one most impacted by the hurricane’s high winds when it moved into Cap Cana with greater ferocity. According to arecoa.com, this hotel as well as the others run by Grupo Playa in the complex are closed.

The Secrets de Cap Cana was another hotel impacted by Fiona, and it will be closed for a while. The only restaurant open in the complex is still Margaritaville. Customers from Cap Cana’s surrounding communities are welcome at Karisma’s restaurant.

The temporary closure of Sanctuary Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana has been prolonged until this month’s 30th, according to an update of information about Playa Hotels & Resorts’ lodging facilities published this Wednesday, September 21.

In addition, starting tomorrow, September 22, through September 30, 2022, the Hilton La Romana will be closed. Recall that the brief shutdown was planned to last until next Friday, March 23.

The communication sent to its guests, which this digital had access to, states, “As we continue to assess the status of our properties impacted by Hurricane Fiona, we have decided to extend the temporary closure of Sanctuary Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana through Friday, September 30, 2022.”

The agreements reached after the meeting of Kamala Harris and Abinader in Washington

The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, held a meeting last week with President Luis Abinader and other Caribbean leaders, in which they discussed “concrete short-term solutions” in three areas that they have worked on since the first call in April Harris noted: energy security, finance and food security.

Regarding the last point, Harris assured that he will send a team to the Caribbean this fall (from September 23), to start the process of financing for development, which he pointed out, was a “subject of extensive debates in our previous meetings”. To contribute to food security in the Caribbean, affected by the war in Ukraine, the pandemic and the climate crisis as in the rest of the world, the United States has “committed to allocate USD 28 million in assistance,” Harris declared.

As well as the implementation of “good agricultural practices” and the commitment to improve these practices in the Caribbean countries and promote the elimination of barriers not corresponding to tariffs in order to “facilitate the movement of food in the region”, the vice president stated.

“In this sense the United States assumes commitments in four areas in particular. First, to identify new clean energy projects; provide technical assistance to our partners in the Caribbean; attract investors to the Caribbean; and improve access to financing for development.” the vice president continued.

Harris said that the actions of energy security and finances are oriented to the climate crisis, in view of which the first measure that the country will adopt is to accelerate the implementation of the “Association between the United States and the Caribbean to address the Climate Crisis, also known as as PACC 2030”, which he presented at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.

Among the measures that the United States government will seek to implement in the region to guarantee food for the population, they also foresee the incorporation of “intelligent technology with respect to the climate” for the protection of food products and the production system of themselves.

 They will also provide training in pest control management.

“The relationship between the United States and the Caribbean is based on ties and common interests. As neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, we believe that it is essential that we have a relationship based on close collaboration, knowing that this will benefit our shared prosperity and security, which is why we, the United States, have expressed our determination to increase our commitment and collaboration with our Caribbean partners”, emphasized Biden’s partner.

Puerto Plata Highway is Blocked by Fiona Aftermath

As a result of Hurricane Fiona, traffic on the Puerto Plata tourist highway has been hampered since the early hours of this Tuesday. The trees that fell due to the strong winds of the natural phenomenon have paralyzed traffic from Puerto Plata until about The Summit, in Santiago de los Caballeros.

Brigades from the Ministry of Public Works, the city council, and members of the relief agencies headed by the Civil Defense collaborate to make traffic in the area viable. These organizations work to collect the debris left behind by Hurricane Fiona, with the aim of restoring traffic in the affected areas. During the night and early morning of Monday, Fiona caused trees to fall in different parts of the province and in the main municipality.

Currently, the reports issued by the Directorate of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), keep Puerto Plata on yellow alert.

This time tourism was better able to weather the hurricane

The Dominican tourism sector was able to face good conditions during the passage of Hurricane Fiona through the country, suffering only minimal damage to infrastructure and vegetation.

Representatives of the sector agreed to emphasize that the situation in hotel facilities is under control and operating on the basis of risk prevention protocols carried out by the hotels.

“The vast majority of hotel rooms are operating, and the damage to infrastructure was minimal in most hotels. However, the main impact was seen in light structures on the beaches and with fallen trees and bushes,” assured the president of Asonahores, Rafael Blanco Tejera, yesterday.

Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Projects of the East (Asoleste), reported the impact of the strong winds and rains. Still, the situation is under control, with greater damage to the infrastructure facing the sea, such as restaurants, kiosks, docks, and rooms facing the sea.

Likewise, the Punta Cana International Airport, which had suspended its operations, communicated that it has resumed operations since yesterday at noon and that the airlines are operating with the arrival and departure of passengers.

The airport’s statement said that they would continue to work for hand in hand with the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) and the Emergency Operations Center (COE), taking the necessary precautions and following international aviation safety protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and the entire airport community.

COE Report
Hotel infrastructures in the eastern zone, especially in the province of La Altagracia, were affected by the passage of Hurricane Fiona, houses, restaurants in the beach area, and the suspension of electric service.

The most affected areas are Cabeza de Toro, Villa Playboy, Verón, and Macao, according to Bruno Benítez, Head of the Department of Risk and Disaster Management and coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (COE) for the Verón-Punta Cana area.

Benítez said three houses had been destroyed as of midday yesterday, and 400 were affected.
He further reported rescue teams had been deployed in Macao because the Maimon river had overflowed.

He said that there was no flooding.

Fiona hits the East and Samaná, affects agriculture and energy

Flooded communities, houses without roofs, broken bridges, destroyed and blocked roads, downed trees, and 60% of the power lines deteriorated in La Altagracia due to the passage of Hurricane Fiona in the East and Cibao. This province El Seibo, Hato Mayor, and Samaná were the hardest hit areas.

The Punta Cana-Macao Energy Consortium (CEPM) released the figures for the damages to the system.

The Ministry of Agriculture reported that agricultural production suffered severe damage, which is being evaluated. The winds and floods affected cattle farms, banana plantations, cassava, cocoa, rice, vegetables, and fruit trees.

Fiona’s tear
According to the Emergency Operations Committee, Fiona struck the East at 3:05 a.m. It entered through Cabo San Rafael, with 140 kilometers per hour winds.

Authorities indicate that in La Altagracia, 40 to 50% of the power poles were blown to the ground, blocking streets. Ninety percent of commercial signs and billboards were destroyed. The most vulnerable areas were flooded.

Senator Virgilio Cedano said that during one of his tours, he observed that the damages were substantial and that it was almost impossible to move along the streets and roads due to a large amount of debris.

“We are proceeding to make the formal survey of the damages as far as the situation allows us. We cannot pass the bridges to reach the neighborhoods, because the river is very high, and with so much water, the bridges are weakened,” said the legislator.

In Higüey, panic attacked the residents of vulnerable neighborhoods, such as Antonio Guzmán, La Florida, Las Cucarachas, Los Soto Bajo, Villa Cerro, and Pepe Rosario, due to the flooding of the Duey and Quisibaní Rivers, which surround the areas.

In El Seibo province, the situation was very similar. Fiona was raging against the wooden houses with zinc roofs, some of which had been lifted by the winds. People cried out, unprotected, seeing their belongings damaged. “We have many roofless houses, trees on the ground and much of the power line,” said Senator Santiago Zorrilla. Nevertheless, he said that there were no human losses.

In Miches, the Yeguada river entered the town. Civil Defense had to work hard to get people out of their homes to avoid tragedies. The most impacted areas were Santa Cruz de El Seibo, El Cedro, and its surrounding areas.

In Samaná, Fiona left a catastrophe, according to its people. “The winds have done serious damage to property, there are homeless people, many are in shelters. We prepared a contingency plan to help the victims,” described Senator Venerado Castillo.

The downpours flooded the municipality of Santa Bárbara, the municipal district of El Limón, Las Galeras, and Las Terrenas, northeast of Samaná.

Early in the morning, the intensity of the rains kept the currents of the Maguá river and the Paña-Paña stream swollen. Rescue agencies made efforts to save citizens in danger.

Castillo affirmed that many houses and the electricity poles were affected, and many victims were in shelters and relatives’ homes.

Regarding the state of the highways and roads, he indicated that the stretches of Hato Mayor-San Pedro; Hato Mayor-Sabana de la Mar were cut off.

Locals reported that electric power service was suspended in its entirety in Hato Mayor. In addition, businesses were affected by the wind gusts, which destroyed their windows.

Congressman Saury Mota asked President Luis Abinader to declare a state of emergency in the province. “Among the most affected sectors are the neighborhoods of the northern zone, Los Multis, Sabana,Hatillo, Gualey, Parque Central. The rains have caused the electrical service to be badly affected, and homes destroyed and flooded, and many people have left their homes,” said Mota.

The congressmen agreed that the most important thing was to rescue and attend to all people in need of emergency services, supply them with drinking water and food in the shelters, help those displaced to other homes, and then enter the phase of repairing homes and rebuilding destroyed houses together with the central government.

Three airports remain out of service, Punta Cana airport resumes operations

Santo Domingo, DR
The interim director of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), Héctor Porcella, informed that the Punta Cana International Airport resumed its flight operations after it was closed on Sunday night due to the passage of Hurricane Fiona.

Porcella said that the resumption of flight operations through the referred terminal occurred at noon with the arrival of an international flight.

“As for flight operations through Punta Cana International Airport, everything has already returned to normal with the reopening of international commercial flights,” Porcella assured.

He also clarified that flight and passenger operations through the José Francisco Peña Gómez Las Américas International Airport (AILA) remain normal.

“Right now they are operating without problem the International Airport of Las Americas, Jose Francisco Pena Gomez, which has never stopped operating. And now Punta Cana which resumed its flights at noon this Monday,” expressed the interim general director of the IDAC.

Operations at the Punta Cana airport were suspended on Sunday night with the terminal’s closure on the recommendation of the IDAC due to the impact of Hurricane Fiona, category 1, which affected the East and Northeast regions of the country.

The airports Catey, Professor Juan Bosch, of Samaná; the International airport of La Romana, and Arroyo Barril, of Samaná, are still closed.

Porcella explained that as the effects of the natural phenomenon diminish, the other closed terminals could be reopened in the next few hours.

Center of Fiona is in the Atlantic; vigilance urged for possible coastal penetrations

The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) informed this Monday that after 1:00 pm today, the center of hurricane Fiona was located over Atlantic waters very close to the coast of the municipality of Las Terrenas Samaná.

The institution said that the swell would continue to be abnormal, especially on the north coast, northeast, and southeast points, expecting wave heights between 10 to 14 feet with higher breakers, reaching up to 18 feet.

“We must also be vigilant for the possibility of coastal penetrations of the sea at low points,” he said.

The Onamet maintains a hurricane warning from Punta Caucedo to Cabo Francés Viejo, a hurricane warning from Cabo Francés Viejo to Puerto Plata, and a tropical storm warning from the Barahona peninsula to Punta Caucedo.

Location
“At 1:00 p.m., Hurricane Fiona was located near latitude 19.4 north and longitude 69.3 west, its center over Atlantic waters very close to the coast of the municipality of Las Terrenas Samaná. The phenomenon has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour with higher gusts,” he explained.

The Onamet said that the hurricane-intensity winds extend to about 45 kilometers and storm-intensity winds to about 240 kilometers. Fiona is moving northwest at about 13 kilometers per hour.

Forecast for this afternoon
During the course of the afternoon hours, the cloud bands distributed over a large part of the national territory will be approaching from the south and north, causing rains that can be moderate to locally heavy with frequent gusts of wind of tropical storm or hurricane intensity.

The Onamet explained that in the border area and the southwest, the rains are expected to be less intense compared to other areas of greater affectation, however, showers with thunderstorms and isolated wind gusts are expected.