TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) announced that it is ready to send a humanitarian shipment to assist individuals affected by floods in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
“With deep sadness, we have learned of the recent storms, heavy rains, floods and landslides in the Dominican Republic. These disasters have left many people dead or missing and caused damage in many parts of the country. The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) extends its deepest condolences to you and the families of the victims,” IRCS President Pir Hossein Kolivando said in a message to President Miguel Sanz. Dominican Red Cross.
IRCS has announced that it stands by you in this difficult situation and stands ready to provide all humanitarian assistance, Kollivand said.
Tropical Cyclone Melissa is largely stationary, causing continued heavy rain and strong winds across the Dominican Republic, particularly affecting the south and southwest, according to an October 27 report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Prolonged rainfall saturates the soil, significantly increasing the occurrence of landslides and blockages, and worsening the impact on infrastructure.
The most significant humanitarian impact remains disruption of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. According to combined figures from the National Institute of Drinking Water and Wastewater (INAPA) and the Santo Domingo Water and Sewerage Authority (CAASD), 1,274,237 water users are affected, a significant increase from the previous reporting period. High turbidity and power outages are the main causes of over 60 water system failures.
Regarding evacuations and housing, an estimated 263 homes were damaged. The reported number of evacuees exceeds 1,380, with most seeking refuge with family and friends. Authorities currently operate five evacuation centers in Nacional, San Cristóbal and San Juan provinces, housing 86 people. Additionally, 37 communities have been isolated due to major access routes being cut off.
Following the suspension of classes on October 23, the education system was completely disrupted at the national level, affecting 2,587,965 children and adolescents, representing 100% of the enrolled student population.
Earlier, on October 22nd, the National Health Service issued a directive regarding the uninterrupted operation of health facilities during emergencies. The Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Service are actively intensifying active epidemiological surveillance to monitor outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. We also implement hygiene controls in shelters and communities and maintain active hospital emergency plans.
Initial estimates by UNICEF say more than 695,000 people (222,000 children) are affected across states under emergency alerts.
Currently, the government’s response continues to prioritize rescue, debris removal and logistics, with support from the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Civil Defence. Authorities are also using the telecommunications sector to send millions of SMSs sharing life-saving information and preventive instructions. Suspension of schooling in states under red alert remains an important preventive measure.
In a separate message to Jamaica Red Cross President Alasandra Chan, Mr Colliband expressed his deep sadness and readiness to send relief supplies to the victims.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, bringing devastating winds, flooding, and storm surge, causing power outages and severe infrastructure damage across the island.
MT/MG