UPDATE: Sept. 16, 2008 - The effects of Tropical Storm Hanna led to the evacuation of 10,745 people and damaged more than 2,000 homes.

The heavy rains have subsided and all schools that were closed have resumed.

Thankfully, none of our Compassion-assisted children were significantly affected by Tropical Storm Hanna.

Please continue to pray for the Dominican Republic throughout the hurricane season.

Compassion Dominican Republic will keep us updated as more information is available.

Compassion International will contact you if your sponsored child has been affected.

Sept. 5, 2008 - Tropical Storm Hanna has hit the Dominican Republic with winds up to 59 mph.

As a result:

• All 32 provinces are under red alert.
• 6,265 people have been evacuated from their homes.
• The president has issued a decree that all schools and universities will remain closed until the storm subsides. This includes all Compassion-assisted child development centers.
• Some country office staff have not been able to go to work because of the heavy rains, strong winds and flooded roads.

No Compassion-assisted children or their families have been injured by this storm.

Please continue to pray for their safety, as well as the safety and well-being of our staff.