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Tropical Storm Franklin brings 'life-threatening flooding' to Dominican Republic and Haiti

“The population of the Dominican Republic must all be right now, without exception, in their homes, the homes of friends and family, or in shelters,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, emergency operations director

Flooding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from Hurricane Fiona
Flooding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from Hurricane Fiona | Shutterstock
By Katarina Hall

August 24, 2023 12:25pm

Updated: August 24, 2023 12:25pm

Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall in the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and “life-threatening flooding” to both countries. 

Forecasters are warning that the tropical storm could dump up to 16 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in some parts of the Dominican Republic as it is expected to remain in the region throughout the day, according to the National Hurricane Center. In Haiti, on the other hand, the storm is expected to bring up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain to the country’s eastern regions. 

“The population of the Dominican Republic must all be right now, without exception, in their homes, the homes of friends and family, or in shelters,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, emergency operations director.

The storm, which was moving northward at 13 mph (20 kph), brought to the island of Hispaniola winds of 40 mph (65 kph) with higher gusts. 

About 280 people were evacuated from their homes in the Dominican Republic as their neighborhoods faced flooding brought about by the torrential rains. More than 200 people were transferred to local shelters to withstand the storm. 

According to the U.N.’s World Food Program, around 125,000 people in the Dominican Republic are living in areas that “are extremely vulnerable to landslides and flash floods because they live in poor, overcrowded settlements near rivers, creeks, and lagoons.”

At least three communities have been cut off by the heavy rains and several threes and light posts were downed. 

The storm is expected to move over the area and eventually form into a hurricane by Saturday as it passes west of Bermuda. Winds are expected to reach 105 mph by Sunday, turning it into a Category 2 storm. Earlier next week, a cold front is expected to veer Franklin north into the western Atlantic waters. 

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