The National Institute of Water Resources (INDRHI) has ordered all of the reservoirs in the Dominican Republic to be lowered to their minimum levels so that the structures will be better able to hold the water that is expected to come with the passing of Hurricane Irma.
In a press release on Tuesday, 5 September 2017, the agency points out that the Tavera Dam in central Santiago will be releasing 100m³ of water per second that will cause the Yaque River to increase its flow noticeably. According to the press release, Tavera should operate at a level of 315 m above sea level and be able to store water to the level of 327 m above sea level.
Regarding Valdesia in the south, 44 m³ per second will be released as a preventive operation that will allow for electricity generation to continue as well as the water supply for Greater Santo Domingo.
INDRHI also called on the nation’s population not to pay attention to any news that does not originate from their offices regarding water levels and the nation’s hydroelectric dams.
The INDRHI said the release of water is all being carried out following protocols of the Committee for the Operation of Dams and Reservoirs that operates these under the guidance of the Center of Emergency Operations (COE) and the different institutions that make up the committee.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
7 Dias
The DR1 Forums weather forecaster is located in Punta Cana. To follow the storm from a Dominican perspective, see the latest posts at DR1 Forums
6 September 2017
