FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/98 - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (23 November)

Torrential rains and flooding and high force sustained winds caused by Hurricane “Georges” in late September inflicted heavy loss of life and left more than 100 000 people homeless. Some of the affected areas are among the main crop growing areas of the country. An assessment of damages to the agricultural sector indicates that 90 percent of food and export crops were damaged to a varying extent in the affected areas. About 190 000 hectares under foodcrops have been severely affected, including some 20 000 hectares of paddy and extended cropped fields of roots and tubers, a main staple in the population’s diet. The important foreign exchange earners tobacco and sugar cane crops also sustained extensive damage. Severe damage was also incurred to banana crops, particularly in the south-western parts of the country. Consumer prices of this important staple have considerably increased. Significant losses were incurred by poultry and small animal farms. Emergency food aid to about 25 000 persons and other types of relief assistance are presently being provided by the international community. Plans for the rehabilitation of agricultural activities in the affected zones are being formulated.

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