Torrential rains in Haiti leave 13 dead and thousands displaced

Haiti.- Severe rainfall over the past 72 hours has devastated Haiti, resulting in 13 deaths, 15 injuries, one missing person, and significant property damage, according to a report by the National System for Risk and Disaster Management. The rains, driven by a persistent cold front in the north, have caused widespread flooding in the North West, Grand’Anse, Nippes, and North departments.

Port-de-Paix in the North West suffered the highest toll, with 11 fatalities, while two deaths were reported in Jérémie, Grand’Anse. Over 500 homes were destroyed, 16,515 houses flooded, and major roads at the national, departmental, and municipal levels were severely damaged. Overflowing rivers have compounded the destruction, particularly in the Northwest department.

Health concerns are mounting, with stagnant water leading to outbreaks of vector-borne and waterborne diseases in affected areas, especially in Grand’Anse and Port-de-Paix. The region has been grappling with persistent rains for two months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.