(CNN Spanish) –– The Dominican Republic prepares for the impact of tropical storm Laura. The country activated its contingency plan since it is predicted that from the afternoon of this Saturday the effects of the atmospheric phenomenon will begin to be felt in the northeast region.
The tropical storm could generate rainfall above 200 milligrams, according to the director of the National Meteorology Office, Gloria Ceballos.
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By the afternoon of this Friday, 19 provinces are on green alert for tropical storm Laura, according to the Emergency Operations Center (COE).
The director of the COE, Juan Manuel Méndez, confirmed that 2,532 shelters have been set up to house people who could be displaced due to the rains.
Provinces on alert
Ten provinces are on yellow alert: Montecristi, El Seibo, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Hato Mayor, La Altagracia, María Trinidad Sánchez, Espaillat, La Romana and San Pedro de Macorís.
In green are Monte Plata, Duarte, Hermanas Mirabal, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, La Vega, Monsignor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez and San Cristóbal.
Likewise, a tropical storm warning was issued from Cabo Engaño (La Altagracia) to the Bay of Manzanillo.
According to the COE, the yellow alert is issued "when the upward trend in the development of the event implies imminent risk situations and severe emergency situations."
The green is declared before «the expectations of a phenomenon that allow to foresee the occurrence of an event of a dangerous nature for the population. It may be partial or total".
Tropical storm