Haitian authorities on Wednesday confirmed that at least 12 people have died after flood waters struck the country’s Northwest Department earlier this week.
According to a preliminary report from the Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection, heavy rains between April 11 and 13 caused widespread devastation in the municipalities of Port-de-Paix, Saint-Louis du Nord, and Anse-à-Foleur.
Authorities said the torrential rains caused several rivers to overflow their banks, including the Rivière des Trois Rivières, plunging affected communities into a critical emergency situation. Officials warned that the situation could worsen if rainfall continues.
The Civil Protection Directorate said 12 people died in landslides or were swept away by floodwaters in rural sections of Saint-Louis du Nord. Several serious injuries have also been reported.
Authorities also reported that several people remain missing, including fishermen and residents of riverside communities in Anse-à-Foleur.
More than 2,500 families have been directly affected by the flooding, with many residents forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge with relatives or in temporary shelters.
Local authorities have appealed to the central government for urgent assistance, saying food rations, drinking water, hygiene kits, and sanitation equipment are needed to prevent a potential health crisis.
Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 1,200 homes have been flooded. Schools and health centres in the three communes have also been inundated with mud, making them inaccessible and disrupting essential services.
Authorities further reported that hundreds of livestock were swept away by the floods, representing a catastrophic financial loss for small farmers in the affected communities.
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