Powered By Blogger

Friday, October 7, 2016

Haiti likely to be 'critical' for 18 months after Hurricane Matthew

The situation in Haiti has been described as 'critical' after it was battered by Hurricane Matthew. 
Christian Aid told Sky News it was likely to remain that way for 18 months. 
Prospery Raymond from the charity said: "The south part of Haiti is really affected by Hurricane Matthew. 
"The population are really in need of water, shelter, materials and in the coming days there will be a resurgence of cholera. 
"Compared to the earthquake this emergency is very, very critical."
People walk in a flooded area after Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti
Image Caption:Les Cayes, in southern Haiti, has been flooded, its cathedral heavily damaged
Local officials said late on Friday afternoon that the number of dead had risen to 842. 
Thousands of homes have been destroyed, while more than 60,000 people have entered shelters. 
Britain is giving £5m to help the initial relief effort. 
International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: "We are now beginning to see the full scale of the devastation wrought by the worst storm to hit this region in almost a decade.
"The absolute priority right now is to reach those who are injured and provide them with water, sanitation, shelter and protection."
The US military is sending helicopters to Haiti and the USS Mesa Verde expected to dock soon.
The amphibious transport ship is carrying food, medicines, baby formula, nappies and first aid supplies.
It can also produce 72,000 gallons of fresh portable water each day. 
There is a surgical team on board and two operating theatres. 
Christian Aid's Prospery Raymond discusses Hurricane Matthew in Haiti
Video:Christian Aid: 'Haiti situation critical'
Across the country, the International Red Cross said tens of thousands of people needed help as it launched a $6.9m appeal.
UNICEF said it required $5m to provide initial aid to children. 
Most deaths are believed to have occurred in the southwest, where Matthew slammed the sea into the coastline.
Roads were flooded by sea and river water and cellphone networks got cut off.    
In the farming village of Chantal, the mayor said 86 people had died. Most had perished after houses were crushed by trees. 
The mayor said another 20 people were missing. 
"Devastation is everywhere," said Pilus Enor, mayor of the town of Camp Perrin on the peninsula's south shore.
"Every house has lost its roof. All the plantations have been destroyed," he said. 
"This is the first time we see something like this." 
The southern city of Jeremie is said to have suffered "complete destruction", while a bridge over the La Digue river in Petit Goave has been destroyed.
In Les Cayes - home to a major port - a cathedral roof has been blown off, and banana and mango crops been destroyed. 

No comments:

Post a Comment