section_path: Aftermath
section_name: Aftermath
paragraph_text: Aftermath
  
  Dominican Social Policy Cabinet coordinator Tony Peña Guaba characterized the event as the "worst non-atmospheric disaster" in the nation's history. Initially, President Abinader declared a three-day national period of mourning from 8 to 10 April, lowering all national flags at public structures and military precincts to half-mast. On 10 April, he extended the mourning period to six days. His office also said that a commission of national and international experts would be established to investigate the disaster.
  
  The Senate of the Dominican Republic suspended a scheduled session for all committee activities on 9 April, and it issued a statement expressing regret for the disaster. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, reports from Diario Libre said that Santo Domingo had an "unusual" decline in traffic, with fewer pedestrians and an "unusual silence". A memorial service was held for Rubby Pérez at the Eduardo Brito National Theater on 10 April, with President Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje in attendance.