Simplify the following text for a Grade 11 native English-speaking person.
Original: The rainfall caused flooding along the Yaque del Norte River , and initially there appeared to be a threat that the Tavera Dam along the river would fail , potentially killing thousands in Santiago Province .
Simplified: The rainfall caused flooding along the River Yaque del Norte , and at first there appeared to be a threat that the Tavera Dam along the river would fail , potentially killing thousands in Santiago Province .