Haiti Braces For Further Trouble

Haiti Braces For Further Trouble

Haiti quake victims already in the grips of a cholera outbreak are bracing themselves for a hurricane which is ripping through the Caribbean.

TEAR Fund disaster officer Kevin Riddell, who recently visited Haiti said, Hurricane Tomas was expected to strengthen as it headed towards Haiti.

“With a large and vulnerable population living in makeshift camps scattered in around Port Au Prince, and dealing with a cholera outbreak, a hurricane is the last thing the people of Haiti need right now.”

Mr Riddell said, “Our partners have been dealing with outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera through the supply of safe drinking water, the distribution of hygiene packs, construction of latrines and children’s club activities promoting healthcare and the dangers of contaminated water sources. But a hurricane bringing gale force winds and dumping huge amounts of rain will add to the vulnerability of these displaced people, increasing the risk of further outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.”

TEAR Fund’s partners were preparing for the onslaught of Hurricane Tomas by stocking emergency food and temporary shelter, to replace the shelter that will inevitably be destroyed in a hurricane, said Mr Riddell. He said they would be visiting tent cities and trying to get as many people under more substantial shelter where possible.

ENDS

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