The following e-news update was sent today by DR1.com. It is a helpful update regarding the impact and response from “this side” (Dominican) of the island.
January 13, 2010
1. Big scare, but no damages in DR
2. Ministry issues statement on earthquake
3. DR Tourism Update
1. Big scare, but no damages in DR
Hotels and those with family or friends abroad in the Dominican Republic have beenreceiving dozens of telephone calls from people concerned that the 7.0 earthquake that devastated the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince could have affected this side of the island as well. But according to reports from Punta Cana, the earthquake was not even felt there and only very slightly in La Romana. Swaying was felt in Santo Domingo and cities to the southwest, and in the central and northern cities of the DR. The generalized feeling was one of dizziness, until the sustained movement led those who were feeling it to realize it could be an earthquake.
2. Ministry Issues Statement on Earthquake
The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic has issued the following statement:
“The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and extensive earthquake damage to the people of Haiti, its neighboring country. The Dominican government is providing a relief staging area at some of the international airports located on the island.
“The DR experienced no damage from the earthquake and all transportation systems, communication systems, tourism businesses and medical facilities are operating smoothly, making the country available to offer support to the relief effort in any way needed.
“The DR is making its medical facilities available for earthquake victims and is providing international relief organizations access to Haiti through the airport and seaports. Our transportation systems, communications systems, hotels, resorts, beaches and natural environment suffered no damage here.
We are grateful and with deep concern open our hearts to our neighbors and will continue to do everything we can to help them and reassure global travelers that the DR is receiving visitors.”
The DR shares the eastern third of the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Punta Cana, the major global tourism destination in the DR is located approximately 400 miles (633 kilometers) east of Haiti’s capital, or a 10-12 hour drive, with numerous mountain ranges separating the two countries.
3. DR Tourism Update
All of the DR’s eight international airports are open and receiving flights.
All of the DR’s cruise terminals and seaports are open and receiving ships.
All of the DR’s beaches, hotels, resorts and tourism businesses are conducting normal business operations.
At this time, no flights or group tours to the DR have been canceled.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 5:42 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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