Services, Disaster, Post Disaster Needs Assessment available at Church World Service (2010 Haiti Earthquake Response)

CWS EMERGENCY SITUATION REPORT: HURRICANE TOMAS AND HAITI

Source: Church World Service (CWS)

Date: 05 Nov 2010

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE

DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

CWS EMERGENCY SITUATION REPORT: HURRICANE TOMAS AND HAITI

Nov. 5, 2010

SITUATION

As Tomas re-intensified from a tropical storm into a hurricane Friday CWS staff and partners in Port-au-Prince report rising water levels in South and South East Jacmel Departments. Driving winds of 85-mph have already damaged banana plantations, and the storms forced evacuations among the 1.3 million people displaced by January's landmark earthquake.

The city center of Leogane is flooded after the Rouyonne River broke through its banks. Rain is only beginning in Haiti's northern areas.

CWS partner and ACT Alliance member, Norweigian Church Aid reports flooded camps in Cité Soleil.

The communities of Les Palmes and Delatte, commune of Petit-Goave, which are located at an altitude between 800 to 1,200 m (2,625 to 3,937 feet), have suffered extensive damage following the rains and some strong winds. There are destroyed houses and plantations, landslides, trees uprooted, roads damaged. With crops planted in October, harvests were to occur at the end of November or early December. Most of these crops seem to be destroyed now, which means stocks of foods and seeds are seriously compromised.

CWS RESPONSE

As CWS is actively involved in responding to the Jan. 12 earthquake, staff and local partners have made preparations for Tomas' landfall. "The UN has noted a shortage of tarps in Haiti for emergency shelter needs," said CWS Haiti Program Coordinator Aaron Tate. That may be an issue if Tomas impacts the country substantially. . "Fortunately CWS and its partners have been able to pre-position about 10,000 tarps and a sizeable stock of hygiene kits for immediate needs."

As foul weather dissipates, CWS staff in Port-au-Prince will begin to assess damage and determine appropriate action.

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