Tropical Storm Noel caused heavy rains for six consecutive days which resulted in flooding and over saturated dams and the overflow of rivers, streams and gullies. This is one of the most tragic events in the history of Dominican Republic. National authorities report 85 dead and 48 missing, in addition to 66,608 people who have been displaced, and more than 16,000 homes destroyed or damaged. Moreover, 137 communities remain isolated.

Highways, aqueducts, family bathrooms, cultivations, cattle farming, power systems and small businesses are all damaged. In general, there is disorganization in the central-south, southeast, north and northeast regions.

The United Nations and other organizations have revealed the precarious situation that thousands of families are living. They have been in shelters for more than five days and are lacking water, beds, food and appropriate sanitary conditions. People are suffering from diarrhea, respiratory illnesses and skin diseases.

This situation may unleash disastrous consequences if it is not addressed soon. The lack of food is one of the priority risks at the moment. Rice, beans and banana crops were destroyed. Food shortages are already expected, as well as the collapse of rural family economies. A rise in prices and possibly famine will affect the poorest families in upcoming months.

Water contamination caused by a great number of dead animals, damages and the collapse of water and sanitary systems, could cause the spread of pests. Inappropriate conditions to reestablish acceptable personal and home hygiene levels start to threaten the population's health.

Among the medium-term impacts are: socio-economical disorganization in terms of family displacement, emotional damages caused by the loss of properties and lives, the collapse of family economies, the loss of books, notebooks and other school supplies and the cancellation of classes. School attendance is the best way to support affected families and incentive them to participate in their own rehabilitation.

Federico Peña Taveras, ProgramDirector for World Vision, one of the NGOs responding to the impacts caused by Tropical Storm Noel, adds, "Lack of power is very common among those who are working to help the affected families." World Vision has delivered beddings, food and personal hygiene kits to some communities in the southeast area. However, such aid was so limited that frustrated the communities. There were some cases in which the affected population started to get exasperated, and there have been cases of assaults to vehicles that were transporting humanitarian aid. "Because of the fact that a great part of the country was affected, it is hard to prioritize a particular area. Famine and lack of everything exceeds our capacity for action."

The NGO is still asking for support. "We will need everyone's support, so that we may ensure a response in accordance to the reality of the tragedy and to our humanitarian commitment", ends Federico.

For more information:

Federico Peña Taveras Director Proyecto ASSAS World Vision Dominican Republic Tel.: 1+(809)-221-8715 Cel.: 1+(809)-501-9014 Mail: federico_pena@wvi.org ifpt@hotmail.com

Nilba Pérez Coordinadora de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicaciones World Vision Dominican Republic Tel. 1-809-221-8715 Fax: 1-809-221-8109 Cel.1-809-501-902 Mail:nilba_perez@wvi.org