Operations Underway to Bring Food to Families Affected by Floods in Central Cibao Region

Nicolás Calderón, General Administrator of the Government Low Income Food Centers, headed the delivery of thousand of rations of food meant for families who have been displaced or made homeless as a result of the flooding in the Central Cibao region where rains have caused overflows in the area’s rivers, streams and ravines.

Calderón said the Government Food Centers are prepared and available to collaborate in emergency situations and natural disasters that can occur in any and all areas of the country.

Nicolás Calderón personally supervised the delivery of aid along with Food Center personnel. The affected and most vulnerable areas include the municipalities of Santiago, Tamboril, Espaillat, Monseñor Nouel, San Francisco de Macorís and Puerto Plata. The Food Centers, in coordination with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) are bringing in cooked and raw food to families who have been displaced by the floods.

Calderón said the Government Food Centers are prepared and available to collaborate in emergency situations and natural disasters that can occur in any and all areas of the country. The Center is equipped to offer material as well as nutritional support necessary for low income families, fulfilling the instructions of Dominican President Leonel Fernández Reyna.

At least 5 people have died and millions have been displaced as a result of intense downpours in Cibao, forcing the Dams Management Committee to drain water from the Tavera reservoir resulting in the evacuation of thousands of families who live along the Northern Yaque River and other vulnerable areas in order to save lives and property.