05 November 2007

ActionAid and its partners in Haiti are assessing the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Noel, which crossed the island nation on Monday and Tuesday leaving more than 30 people dead.

Roads cut off by floods and landslides are making it difficult for humanitarian organisations to reach some parts of the country.

"The major losses are in the destruction of crops, homes and roads. It is not possible to travel by road to Thiotte or Jacmel." - Raphael Yves Pierre, director of ActionAid Haiti.

An ActionAid assessment team yesterday visited parts of the capital Port-au-Prince, including Philipeau, Carrefour-Feuilles and Mariani.

ActionAid’s partner organisation Crose has been assessing the damage in the southeast of the country. The south coast of Haiti took the full impact when the centre of the storm struck land on Monday. In the neighbouring Dominican Republic, days of heavy rain have caused major flooding in which 54 people have died, according to the UN.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. Its Caribbean location exposes it to frequent hurricanes and tropical storms, and the felling of forests has increased the risk of flash floods.

It is one of seven countries where ActionAid is enlisting schools and teachers to help poor communities to prepare and protect themselves against disasters. The five-year Disaster Risk Reduction Through Schools programme is funded by the UK’s Department for International Development.