Ike - Dominican Republic Update 2

From Floresta's Dominican Director:

Storms Ike and Hanna caused losses in many Floresta communities such as La Yautia (bananas, plantains, yucca, and leek crops), Juan Adrian (they damaged the structure of the vegetable greenhouse); in Tocoa they damaged the passion fruit, cocoa, and timber crops; in La Lenora they damaged the crops of pigeon peas, corn and yucca.

In the zones of Hormigo, La Lomita, Reparadero, Maizal, La Represa, El Aguacero and La Joya, the storms affected the flowering of the cocoa, which will reduce their production by 40%.  Also, the rising of the rivers damaged the bridges which remain impassable.

The farmers are afraid they will be delayed in repaying their loans from Floresta because their incomes have diminished and their health is affected by pinkeye, fever, leptospirosis and contaminated water.

Carlos