At least 1 person dead as Franklin batters Dominican Republic

Tropical Storm Franklin caused heavy floods and landslides in the Dominican Republic, resulting in the death of one person while two others are missing.

The Civil Defense said a man identified as Carlos Marino Martínez died in the city of San Cristobal after being swept away by floodwaters

After making landfall in the country’s southern region, it moved away from the island of Hispaniola on Wednesday afternoon.

Forecasters warned that the Dominican Republic could receive up to 12 inches of rain, while parts of Haiti could receive almost 8 inches.

Emergency operations director Juan Manuel Méndez urged the population to stay inside their homes or seek shelter.

The storm has caused damage to homes, with flooding and landslides affecting several communities.

Currently, there are over 350 individuals seeking shelter in the Dominican Republic due to recent events. Emergency operation officials are actively searching for a 54-year-old man who disappeared late Tuesday after jumping into a creek.

The man has been reported to have mental health problems. Additionally, a teenage boy is missing after being swept away by a river on Wednesday, according to José Luis Cabrera with the Civil Defense agency and Noticias SIN.

The World Food Program has warned that over 125,000 people in the Dominican Republic are living in areas that are vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.

Meanwhile, in Haiti, officials are concerned about the potential impact of the storm due to the country’s severe erosion and vulnerability to extreme weather.