Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: US$ 224,487

Torrential rains that fell in the Dominican Republic at the end of May caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in area bordering with Haiti. The "White" river - shared by both Haiti and the Dominican Republic (where it is known as the "Soleil" River) - started to rise significantly the night of 23 May. Around 2:30 a.m. the river burst its banks, and mud-filled waters carried away houses and sleeping inhabitants.

The most affected area was the Jimaní Municipality. According to the National Emergency Commission (CNE) there are around 5,932 families who have been affected through the loss of loved ones, homes, crops, livestock and all their possessions. Public services and infrastructure, and particularly water systems were also severely impacted. The affected population includes both Dominicans and Haitians as many Haitian migrants have settled in this area.

The loss of crops, which are the main support for farm families, will soon result in scarcity of food and lack of income. This situation is exacerbated by the severe socio-economic crisis in the country where the highest inflation rates in decades have hit those most vulnerable – especially those affected by the floods and landslides.

ACT member in the Dominican Republic, Social Service of the Dominican Churches (SSID), is proposing to respond to the situation through assistance with food and non-food items, agricultural recovery, food security and livelihood; reconstruction of houses; disaster preparedness training and trauma counselling.

Project Completion Date:

30 June 2005

Jessie Kgoroeadira
Acting Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office