President Hipolito Mejia authorized the construction of two large refugee centers to house victims of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and fires. He said that the refugees would serve as temporary lodging in times of emergency. Radhames Lora Salcedo, director of Civil Defense made the announcement. He said that the refugees would go up adjacent to the Ozama and Isabela rivers in the East Side of Santo Domingo, and to the Haina river in the West Side of the city. He said they will be divided into women’s and men’s areas and will be fitted to offer technical courses for youth and adults when they are not being used to house evacuated persons.
