Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph, struck southwest Haiti on October 4, causing widespread damage. There have been 546 confirmed fatalities according to the Government of Haiti (GoH).
Preliminary assessments indicate extensive losses, notably in agriculture and housing. According to UN OCHA, about 175,500 people remain displaced in 224 emergency shelters, while more than 146,000 households were destroyed, heavily damaged, or flooded. Agricultural losses have left an estimated 750,000 people in need of emergency food and agriculture assistance, with the most extreme damage affecting inhabitants of the Grand’Anse and the Sud departments. The UN estimates 1,250,000 people—including 500,000 children—need safe water and sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases, particularly cholera.
The GoH and others have restored road access along critical corridors in Grand’Anse and Sud, but certain areas along secondary and tertiary roads remain accessible only by boat or helicopter.
Disclaimer
- US Department of State - Humanitarian Information Unit
- https://hiu.state.gov