The aftermath of a torrential downpour has now killed over a dozen residents on the island of the Dominican Republic and many families are now picking up the pieces.

The heavy rainfall has caused homes to be destroyed, as well as inoperable roads and bridges. 

"People come out from their houses and they were just going in the water, like swimming in the street, a lot of water in the street," said Capitol resident Eladio Ruiz as he depicts his now reality to News 12's Elly Morillo. 

Video shared exclusively with News 12 shows one resident using a bucket to scoop the water out of their property. Another video shows flooded streets that residents now call mini rivers all across the island.

Dominican resident Francisco tells News 12 he was up for hours trying to keep the water out of his home. 

"It's something that we weren't expecting but if the structural development would've been in better condition there wouldn't be such worry," said Caridad Restaurant manager Miky Roblles. 

Roblles says he is calling on the government on the island to make permanent changes so that catastrophic events like these can be prevented. 

Local leaders here at home say they are ready to lend a helping hand to the country where it is needed. 

"The city and state of New York will be there for the Dominican Republic to help evaluate the long-term needs and help them fully recover and quickly recover from this horrible tragedy," said Councilmember Oswald Feliz. 

There are resources available to people living or visiting the island of the Dominican Republic. Click here for more information.