Storm Franklin approaches Hispaniola, prompting rush of aid to vulnerable populations

(Reuters) – Tropical Storm Franklin is approaching the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and is expected to bring heavy rains and flash floods to vulnerable communities. International aid efforts have been mobilized in response to the storm. According to the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center, Franklin is currently packing winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is projected to cross the southern coast of Hispaniola tonight. It is forecasted to drop up to 10 inches (25 cm) of rain through Wednesday, with isolated areas experiencing up to 15 inches, posing a significant risk of “life-threatening flooding.”

As of 8 pm EDT, Franklin was located around 200 miles (320 km) south-southwest of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The storm is moving north-northwest at a speed of 6 mph (9 kph), and its winds extend 105 miles (165 km) from the center.

The Center for Emergency Operations in the Dominican Republic has issued a red alert for 25 provinces, warning of potential flooding in rivers, streams, and creeks. Additionally, seven provinces are under a yellow alert. In Santo Domingo, the tide is high and strong waves are striking the shore, although rainfall has not yet begun.

Haiti’s Hydro-Meteorological Unit has issued a yellow alert for the country, anticipating landslides, strong waves, and landslides due to heavy rain and winds.

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations has positioned emergency response teams and food supplies in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The WFP estimates that approximately 125,000 Dominicans living in Franklin’s projected path reside in overcrowded settlements, which heightens their vulnerability to flooding. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also has emergency supplies ready to assist 100,000 Haitians affected by the storm. According to the UN, Haiti has seen around 200,000 people displaced internally due to food shortages, kidnappings, and widespread sexual violence aggravated by ongoing gang conflicts.

WFP Haiti director Jean-Martin Bauer noted that “Haiti is among the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to the effects of extreme weather.”

The Civil Protection System of Panama has issued a preventative alert for seven out of the nine provinces as Franklin’s heavy rainfall is expected to impact the Central American country.

Reporting by Gabriella Borter, editing by Gerry Doyle.