Power line seems very battered and roads have been cut by flooding or destroyed bridges. Most airports were initially closed. Those at Puerto Plata and Santiago are now opened and the main airport in Santo Domingo has been opened on 26 September 1998, with exceptions for night operations. The agricultural sector was particularly affected. Most of the banana and plantain plantations around Santiago, and on route to Santo Domingo, have been destroyed.
Preliminary reports show major loss of yields of basic foodstuffs, such as rice, banana and cassava.
Hospitals are working normally, and early reports indicate that the health infrastructure was not heavily damaged. Nevertheless, the sanitary situation in the temporary shelters is a source of concern, since its majority lacks drinking water, medicines and sanitary installations. The National Joint Committee for Emergencies is the coordinating body for this emergency, and is working actively in various areas, such as information gathering, damage assessment, emergency operations, assistance, reception and distribution of relief supplies. International response 9. Value not available Haiti 12.