The latest tropical wave left at least one person dead and
several hundreds of houses flooded, according to El Caribe. The torrential
rainfall caused havoc along the Maim?n, Yuna and Nigua rivers. At the confluence
of the Maim?n and Yuna rivers, a small group of men and boys were huddled on a
tiny island, hoping that the river would not wash it away. Civil Defence
authorities said they were not able to rescue the stranded group and that they
would probably have to spend the night on the tiny piece of land. According to
the CD officials, air force helicopters are not equipped for this type of
night-time rescue work. Vice Admiral Radham?s Lora Salcedo told El Caribe
reporters that at 10pm yesterday all rescue efforts were halted for the night
and that at as soon as day broke this morning these efforts would continue.
Meanwhile, in Nagua on the Northeast Coast, dozens of buildings were flooded and
at least 42 communities were isolated by the flood waters of at least ten
rivers. Drinking water for the town was also affected when the Boba River
overflowed its banks. In the south near San Cristobal, flood waters tore down
part of the highway between Los Cacaos and Cambita Garabitos. The Nigua and
Yubazo rivers left 20 families without shelter, flooding areas in Haina and
B?sima.