Dominican Republic rains force 30,000 to evacuate, 3 reported dead

Some 30,000 people have evacuated their homes in the Dominican Republic over recent days due to torrential rains from weather systems that have hovered over the Caribbean nation hurling rain onto much of its northern region for more than a month.



Local media reported three people had died, including a seven-year-old girl who tried to cross a river, a 19-year-old man who tried to cross on horseback, and an infant girl in the capital, where the wall of her house collapsed due to the rains.



"The government's priority at this time is to save lives, protect property and preserve infrastructure," President Luis Abinader's office said in a statement on Monday, urging people to stay away from vulnerable areas.



Abinader declared a national emergency in five provinces as well as in the capital.