WASHINGTON, DC Haiti is facing renewed humanitarian challenges as heavy rainfall triggers flooding across parts of the country, damaging homes and infrastructure and affecting thousands of families already struggling with violence and displacement.
Humanitarian officials said heavy rains since Saturday have caused severe flooding across the Grand Sud region, disrupting livelihoods and leaving communities in need of urgent assistance.
Speaking at a media briefing at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, officials reported that at least four people had died. The Nippes department has been hardest hit, with more than 1,900 families affected and approximately 1,700 homes flooded.
“We and our humanitarian partners are supporting the Government-led response,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
He said local authorities had activated emergency operations centres and opened temporary shelters, while humanitarian partners were assessing needs and preparing to deliver assistance.
In Grand’Anse, UN agencies are preparing to provide food, cash assistance, hygiene items and other essential supplies to more than 5,500 households. Three mobile health clinics are also planned for affected communities.
The flooding has added to the difficulties facing communities already grappling with food insecurity, displacement and shortages of essential supplies. Funding constraints are further limiting the humanitarian response as needs continue to grow.
The UN's $880 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Haiti remains less than half funded, leaving a significant gap in the resources needed to support vulnerable communities.
Humanitarian officials are warning that additional funding is urgently needed to help affected families recover from the flooding and ensure assistance reaches those most in need.
