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Haiti is reeling from heavy rains that have battered the departments of Nord, Sud, and Grand’Anse, leaving four people dead, four missing, and 27 injured, including eight children. The torrential downpour has triggered landslides, flooding, and destruction, impacting over 12,500 families, according to a preliminary report by the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC).
Grand’Anse bore the brunt of the disaster, with all reported deaths occurring there, including two children. Dame-Marie, Jérémie, and Borgne have accounted for the missing, while seven homes have been destroyed across the affected regions.
Government responds with solidarity and action
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed “unwavering solidarity” with the victims, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting affected families. In a statement, Fils-Aimé assured the public that emergency response teams have been mobilized to deliver food, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to displaced communities.
“This tragedy challenges us as a nation. To every affected family, I send a message of comfort—you are not alone. Your government stands by you and will do everything possible to support your journey toward recovery and resilience,” said the prime minister.
A crisis cell has been activated to oversee relief operations, coordinate national and international aid efforts, and plan the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
International and national solidarity emphasized
In an urgent call for unity, the Haitian government has appealed to international partners, humanitarian organizations, and citizens to contribute to recovery efforts. The focus remains on equitable and effective assistance to those most in need, with an eye toward limiting the impact of future climate risks.
The cost of climate vulnerability
Haiti’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters has once again been highlighted, raising questions about preparedness and long-term solutions. The government has vowed to enhance preventive measures, including better infrastructure and disaster risk management, to protect communities from the growing threat of extreme weather events.
As families in Nord, Sud, and Grand’Anse confront immense challenges, the focus will shift to rebuilding lives and infrastructure. The immediate priority remains ensuring that affected communities receive adequate relief, while the broader goal is fostering resilience in the face of future crises.
Update: Death toll rises to 10 (Dec 7, 2024 4:00 PM)
The number of fatalities caused by days of torrential rains in Haiti has risen to 10, according to an updated report from the Department of Civil Protection (DPC) released on Saturday. The rains have wreaked havoc across the Nord, Sud, and Grand’Anse departments, leaving widespread damage in their wake.
Rising casualties and extensive damage in the North
In the Nord department, six fatalities were reported, including young women in Cap-Haitien, the country’s second-largest city. Two additional deaths occurred in Limbe. Among the casualties are 12 injured individuals and one missing person. The department has also experienced significant destruction, with seven houses destroyed, 302 damaged, and over 24,331 homes inundated. Eight of Nord’s ten municipalities were affected by severe flooding.
Tragedy in Grand’Anse
Grand’Anse has suffered heavily, with at least four deaths, including two children, and four individuals still missing. Among those unaccounted for, two were last seen in Dame-Marie, Jeremie, and another in Borgne. Landslides and widespread flooding have displaced 27 people, including eight children, and caused considerable damage to local infrastructure.
Government response and solidarity
The Haitian government has expressed its “active solidarity” with the victims and their families, emphasizing its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis. Emergency response teams continue to assess the full extent of the damages and provide aid to affected regions.
Infrastructure at risk
The persistent rains have led to landslides, road closures, and severe disruptions in daily life, particularly in rural areas. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain vigilant as further rainfall is anticipated.
