Haiti is grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that have caused flooding and landslides across the country, resulting in at least 15 deaths, with eight people still missing and thousands of families affected. Over the weekend of June 3 – 4, 2023, the entire Hispaniola island nation was drenched in rain, causing several rivers to flood and forcing local authorities to enact emergency measures.
The country’s Civil Protection Agency reports floods and landslides have affected 7 475 families, damaged 1 219 houses, and displaced approximately 13 390 people. The West, Nippes, South-East, North-West, and Center administrative departments were the hardest hit.
In the West department alone, more than 5 510 households were damaged. The central region’s crops were “very impacted,” according to the Agency.
Images and video footage circulating on the internet reveal the dire situation, with people seeking refuge on the tin roofs of houses as floods swept through their villages.
The Civil Protection Agency has urged residents to keep informed about the weather and safety instructions, as the Hydro-Meteorological Unit of Haiti continues to monitor the evolving weather conditions and forecast scattered thunderstorms and showers throughout the country through June 6.
