Floods Affect the Dominican Republic

A significant part of the Dominican Republic, particularly the north and northwest of the country, was seriously affected by intense rains that produced heavy flooding. This led to an increase in the incidence of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and the emergence of cases of leptospirosis and called for epidemiological surveillance in the affected areas. A project was initiated to strengthen current surveillance systems and institute entomological surveillance, vector control and health promotion in the flood zone.

The timely participation of a multisectoral team helped control the situation quickly, averting what could have been a difficult and complex situation in a country with vital ties to the tourism sector, which would have seriously compromised were it not for the fast recovery actions.

The epidemiological surveillance activities yielded important lessons: an appreciation of the activities implemented for disease control and monitoring and vector control and the importance of working through community education to control endemic health problems.

Chile’s
Disaster Office Turns 30

A series of activities marked the 30th anniversary of the creation of Chile’s National Emergency Office (ONEMI). The anniversary culminated in an international meeting in March on the importance of risk management as a factor in sustainable development. National disaster organizations from throughout the Americas and civil protection agencies emphasized the importance of overall risk management rather than the exclusive focus on of disaster response. Achieving this requires broadening the scope of participating organizations and civil society so that scientific and technological advances, complement sectorial programs on risk reduction, and disaster preparedness and response. Visit www.onemi.gov.cl for more information.