Franklin makes landfall, brings heavy rain to Dominican Republic and Haiti

Tropical storm raises concern around possible deadly landslides and heavy flooding across Caribbean nations. Tropical Storm Franklin has made landfall on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, dumping heavy rains on the Caribbean nation and its neighbour on the island of Hispaniola, Haiti. “Local authorities, relief agencies and partner organisations are working hand-in-hand so that no one is left behind.” Some recalled how a powerful thunderstorm that unleashed heavy rains one day in June killed more than 40 people across Haiti. “As the climate crisis continues to intensify the frequency and severity of storms, both Haiti and the Dominican Republic’s healthcare systems urgently need additional resources to prepare for future crises in order to provide timely care, crucial in preventing outbreaks of diseases like cholera and other water-borne illnesses,” Fletcher said in a statement on Tuesday. The United Nations’ World Food Programme said it had stationed emergency response teams and food in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.