The National Water Roundtable says that despite a frontal system, few rains are expected this weekend to reduce the drought that has created serious problems for agricultural irrigation and electricity generation.
The Roundtable, chaired by the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI), nevertheless says that recent rains did improve the situation at the Sabana Yegua dam, which is welcome news for farmers and processors of tomatoes and other crops in the Valley of Azua.
INDRHI executive director, engineer Olgo Fernandez said that the recent rainfall has also increased water levels in the Tavera-Bao, Sabana Yegua and Sabaneta dams. However, rainfall in the Moncion, Hatillo and Rincon watersheds has been very light.
The official added that the proper handling of the water stored in the country’s reservoirs has allowed an adequate supply of drinking water, the main priority for the government.
Meteorological Department (Onamet) forecaster Luis Felipe Jerez said that the frontal system would not bring significant rainfall this weekend (17-18 October), with scant rains forecast mainly over the south side of the Central Mountains, in the northwest region and along the border with Haiti.