The torrential downpours that have been felt in the North of the Dominican Republic, and especially in the Cibao Valley, have forced authorities to open five of the six floodgates on the Tavera Dam. The inclement weather has forced hundreds to seek shelter on higher ground and caused the loss of several dozen homes. The Listin Diario and the El Caribe reported that the National Emergency Commission, meeting in Santiago and headed by the Vice President, issued a warning to all those living in the lower reaches of the Yaque del Norte river to take precautions because of the abnormal water levels of the river. The floods have affected houses in areas such as Villa Tapia, El Tablon, Las Carreras and Ojo de Agua, in the center of the valley.