Alert in Dajabón: Producers report strange white foam in the Massacre River
Rice producers in the La Vigía community, in the Dajabón province, have raised alarms after reporting the presence of a dense layer of white foam covering the waters of the Masacre River. This phenomenon, which has persisted for several days, has generated deep concern in the agricultural sector due to the potential damage it could cause to their crops.
Farmers point out that the finding is unusual, especially because the river has not shown any flooding or alterations in its flow that would justify the appearance of this material. According to testimonies from those affected, the foam is concentrated with greater intensity near Dam One, close to the CODEVI free trade zone, as well as in the vicinity of Juana Méndez, on the Haitian side, where a diversion canal for the tributary was recently built.
Concern about the rice harvest
Uncertainty is the predominant feeling among the smallholders, as their rice plantations are in the final stage of production. Since they depend directly on water from the Massacre River for their irrigation system, they fear that the quality of the liquid is compromised, which would affect the yield of their crops and the security of their productive activities.
The appearance of the foam is unusual, given that the river waters remain calm and no flooding has been recorded to explain its presence.
Quillo García, local agricultural producer.
Authorities’ intervention demanded
So far, the exact origin of the substance is unknown and no laboratory results have been issued to confirm whether it is a contaminating agent. Given this situation, the producers of La Vigía have made an urgent call to environmental and agricultural authorities to carry out the corresponding technical evaluations.
- Perform urgent water quality sampling.
- Determine the origin of the polluting source in the Masacre River.
- Assess potential health risks to crops and the population.
Farmers expect a prompt and clear response that will clarify this phenomenon, thus guaranteeing the protection of rice production and the peace of mind of the communities that depend on this important water resource in the border area.
