Hurricane Fiona passes Dominican Republic and gains strength
Hurricane Fiona caused significant damage as it passed over the Dominican Republic on Monday. On Tuesday, the hurricane will move further north, toward the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over the colder waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the storm is expected to gain further strength. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Fiona is developing into a category third hurricane.
The passing of the hurricane was accompanied by heavy rainfall and wind speeds of 155 kilometers per hour. Roads were flooded or blocked by fallen trees and power poles. Authorities say several villages in the east of the country have become inaccessible and some 12,000 people have been displaced. As far as is known, one person was killed. About 11,000 people are without power. Electricity has also been cut in the resort town of Punta Cana, which is popular with tourists. The town is located on the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic, not far from where Fiona landed on Monday morning.
The hurricane already caused major problems in Puerto Rico on Sunday. Rivers overflowed with heavy rains and power went out all over the island. It will probably take days before everyone has electricity again. It is still raining on the island.