Subtropical Storm OLGA was Late Season Tropical Depression 94

[KateP]

Originally Posted by Chip

This is a real tragedy. While some of the homeowners in the area should know better than to build in these areas, the real culprit is the government who will not enforce the "no construction" zone in a well documented floodplain like the Yaque River. Such incredible incompetence and amoral behavior.

Even worse, the waters will go down, people will gripe and complain about lack of government help to get them out and then they'll build their houses in the same spot again. Yesterday on the news there were reporters in the barrios on Ozama river where the Defensa Civil was evacuating people and people were complaining that they weren't going to leave their houses because every time they do, they lose everything. I'm very aware that they probably don't have many choices as to where to live but to me it's like running into a wall constantly... they just don't learn!

[Marilyn]

Originally Posted by Chris

Hillbilly, someone should keep the authorities responsible for this!

I heard in El Gobierno de la Mañana that there was a warning at 1am that the gates of the dam would open, but I'm sure they didn't reach everyone;can you imagine what it is to be waken up at 1am to tell you get out or else, I'm sure by the time these people got the family ready to abandon their homes the gates opened (supposedly at 3am), there was not enough time!!! I'm sure that they didn't get to everyone neither. I can't believe this is happening again, I cried this morning when I heard the first reports, people on trees waiting to be rescued and there was no way to rescue them because they didn't have helicopters that could handle such maneuvers. There's also the feeling of impotence at seeing these people suffer the negligence of the authorities who had ample warning and should have been better prepared. I just can't believe this is happening so soon after Noel, and the consequences might be more devastaing, I just refuse to believe it.

HB, I hope you're doing well and your family also. Please keep safe.

[gmiller261]

How can this be absolutely confirmed?

Will the government admit to it? The powers to be excel at shameless transparent corruption. This is the Dominican badge of success and they wear it proudly.

[Chip]

How hard would it be to call the police at the fortaleza to tell them to go out there with a bullhorn and tell the people to move to high ground?

I'f I'd known last night that they were opening the damn and the ramifications of such, I would have gone down there on the bike fever and all. With a handful of bullhorns they probably could have saved some lives and some important family keepsakes and such. Maybe I will buy one - it's not such a bad idea - a group of apatanado volunteering gringos showing the government what love of the patria really means.

[planner]

It is truly sad! I am in the office and have shown this thread to everyone here. I am almost in tears just looking at it!!!!

Yes the government / authorities need to be held responsible!

In the meantime these people need help. I hope the media is all over this one!

[Lambada]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

I heard in El Gobierno de la Mañana that there was a warning at 1am that the gates of the dam would open, but I'm sure they didn't reach everyone;can you imagine what it is to be waken up at 1am to tell you get out or else, I'm sure by the time these people got the family ready to abandon their homes the gates opened (supposedly at 3am), there was not enough time!!! I'm sure that they didn't get to everyone neither.

I was up well past 2am & saw no warning posted via papers or Civil Defence website etc. If they put a warning on the radio at 1am, how many people would have been listening at that time?

Even the civil defense report of 8am this morning doesn't mention it. Look at the damage report for this morning - scroll down about two thirds of page to Santiago. It just says 2000 people evacuated, nothing else.
http://www.defensacivil.gov.do/bajar...012-12-07..doc
I don't know what press is being told - El Caribe is reporting flooding in Santiago was caused by river bursting banks due to rains (not opening of dam)!!
http://www.elcaribecdn.com/articulo_...6B5&Seccion=63

El Nuevo Diario is running 2 reports - one from official sources
"Olga" deja 2 muertos, 6 desaparecidos y 24.595 refugiados en el paÃ*s
one from unofficial sources
8 muertos, varios desaparecidos y pérdidas millonarias por paso tormenta Olga en Santiago
Note the differences. Timewise these 2 reports were filed 3 minutes apart.

And............looks like the President will use the photo-op. He is setting out for Santiago to inspect the damage this afternoon...........
Noticias - Leonel inspeccionará los daños de Olga en Santiago

Sorry if I sound cynical, but I am. His time would have been better spent getting on the phone for helicopters.

[lexi]

Wow, those pictures are completely heartbreaking! My heart goes out to all that are affected. It really makes you think about how short life can be, you never know what is about to happen. God bless. I hope the Government can get help to those that need it ASAP!

P.S. I just got off the phone with my friend and he said that right now it is partially sunny and that the rain stopped last night in San Pedro de Macoris.

[andrewc52002]

This morning, some people/children died in Santiago, for other people were negligent/careless/stupid.
It's sad, but true. God bless their souls.

[CFA123]

I realize this in no way compares to the flooding in Santiago... but more storm damage. Image of Marabu in Cabarete 'after'

[M.A.R.]

Wow that's awful, I just heard of some people I know that were evacuated from BellaVista Santiago, gladly they stayed with some people they know.

...and after this many people will be sick with all kinds of ailments.