Tropical Storm Franklin is approaching the vicinity of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, bringing heavy rainfall.

        (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez) 

  WEATHER  

The Dominican Republic has taken extensive measures in response to the approach of Tropical Storm Franklin, which is targeting the island of Hispaniola, shared with Haiti. The storm poses a significant threat of triggering landslides and substantial flooding.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Authorities in the Dominican Republic have implemented closures of schools and government offices on Tuesday, as Tropical Storm Franklin sets its course toward the island of Hispaniola, jointly occupied with Haiti. The storm's potential to induce landslides and extensive flooding has raised concerns.

As of Tuesday night, the storm's maximum wind speed reached 40 mph (65 kph), and its position was identified as 175 miles (280 kilometers) southwest of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Tropical Storm Franklin is anticipated to make landfall on Wednesday, bringing about up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rainfall in both nations, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 15 inches (38 centimeters). Haiti, in particular, is vulnerable to heavy rainfall due to prevalent severe erosion, which can result in disastrous flooding.

Dominican authorities have announced the shutdown of educational institutions, government offices, and businesses until Thursday. Additionally, the main international airport and five other airports are planned to be closed until Wednesday. In Haiti, where a severe thunderstorm in June caused more than 40 fatalities due to intense rainfall, government officials have encouraged vigilance but have not yet declared closures. Schools in Haiti are already closed for the summer holiday until mid-September.

In Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, Pedro Julio de la Cruz, a 42-year-old mechanic, expressed uncertainty about staying in his home close to the Ozama River, where flooding frequently occurs. He is considering relocating to higher ground along with his elderly mother and aunt.

“We’ve had trouble sleeping,” he remarked, mentioning that their concerns started when the rain began on Monday night.

The storm is currently moving northward at a speed of 9 mph (15 kph).

Tropical Storm Franklin is projected to linger over Hispaniola for a significant portion of Wednesday before eventually moving away towards open waters later in the day, as stated by the National Hurricane Center.

With the storm drawing near, at least 24 out of the Dominican Republic's 31 provinces have been placed under a red alert. The Public Works Ministry has deployed 3,000 workers to over a dozen provinces to prepare for the storm. Fortunately, the country's multiple dams are not expected to face issues due to the forecasted heavy rainfall, as water levels are currently low.

Jerome Jean-Pierre, a 46-year-old vendor in the Haitian capital, expressed his intention to remain indoors upon hearing about the storm on the radio. He hopes that Tropical Storm Franklin will not cause the same level of impact that Hurricane Matthew did in October 2016.

“That was truly devastating,” he recalled. “I witnessed many people being swept away.”

Mackenson Barbouze, a 34-year-old professor, commented on the unfortunate timing of the storm, given Haiti's ongoing struggle with surges in gang violence that have displaced over 200,000 individuals from their homes.

“This will only add chaos to the problems we are already dealing with,” he noted, highlighting the challenges that arise in Haiti's aftermath of storms due to the government's limited ability to respond promptly. “Most of the agencies are dysfunctional. They have the words, but they lack the capacity to execute.”

                                            Dr Gérard Jerry CHANDLER

Haiti's civil protection director, Jerry Chandler, stated that efforts are underway to assist displaced individuals residing in shelters or on the streets. He emphasized the need for utmost caution.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry urged caution as well, advising people to stock up on essential supplies like water, food, and medications, and to avoid water exposure until Thursday.

“The government is taking all possible measures to provide assistance,” he assured. “I understand that many are worried, but we must have confidence that we are prepared to take rapid action if needed.”

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the entire southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, along with the entire northern coast of the Dominican Republic. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Meanwhile, a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico strengthened overnight and evolved into Tropical Storm Harold, which made landfall on the southern coast of Texas on Tuesday before weakening back into a depression.

On August 10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revised its forecast, projecting an above-normal hurricane season for the year.

The forecast predicts between 14 to 21 named storms, of which six to eleven could intensify into hurricanes. Among these, two to five have the potential to become major hurricanes, according to the NOAA.