Over the weekend, 12 houses in Puerto Plata crumbled to the ground and others were more noticeably damaged as aftershocks shook the region. The erosion of Isabel de Torres Mountain has increased, according to eye witness reports. The EGE-Haina generating facility in Puerto Plata will be out of service for at least one month, with repairs needed to anchoring bolts and the supports to the water pumps. President Mejia toured the damaged areas and promised immediate assistance to the people who had lost their homes. Today’s El Caribe is reporting that over 200 aftershocks have occurred, the latest taking place yesterday morning and registering 4.6 on the Richter Scale. This followed another strong one on Friday, reported to be a 3.7 magnitude.
In Tubagua, on the Gregorio Luperon Highway, six houses fell as a result of the aftershocks. Tubagua is very near the epicenter of the 6.5 quake, and the highway is visibly split. The recent aftershocks have also caused the bell tower structures of San Felipe Cathedral in Puerto Plata to weaken even further, with many fearing that the bells may fall at any moment. Mass is being heard outside the church.