Dominican Republic — humanitarian situation

Since early April 2026, a trough system has generated intense rainfall and prolonged atmospheric instability across the Dominican Republic, triggering widespread flooding and landslides that have affected approximately 172,000 people (OCHA). The National Emergency Operations Centre issued alerts for 28 provinces, including red alerts for four provinces due to significant risk of urban and flash flooding (IFRC). By mid-May, over 30,000 residents in the northwest were ordered to evacuate as rains continued into the month, creating dangerous conditions and prompting the activation of the UN Emergency Technical Team to support national monitoring and field missions (Direct Relief, OCHA). The Dominican Republic remains highly exposed to severe weather events as a Small Island Developing State, with approximately 25 percent of households highly vulnerable to climate shocks, disproportionately affecting poor and hazard-prone communities (WFP). Ecosystem degradation has reduced natural protection against extreme events, while territorial inequalities compound vulnerability across the country. Although forecasts indicate a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean for 2026, high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific, requiring sustained investment in preparedness and early warning systems (IFRC). WFP strengthened adaptive social protection mechanisms by convening key partners and advancing tools such as the Emergency Cash Transfer system, while providing technical and operational assistance to the government-led flood response through multisectoral assessments and data-driven decision-making (WFP). Direct Relief has provided medical support to local organizations responding to the emergency, building on more than $18 million in assistance to Dominican organizations over the past year (Direct Relief). The response has focused on advancing strategic partnerships in climate resilience, early warning systems, and spatial data to enhance preparedness for future weather events (WFP).