Hurricane Tomas hit the poor, earthquake-shattered country on Friday 5th November, bringing with it up to 30cm of rain and gusts of up to 135km/hour. Flooding was reported in many areas where Haitians are still living in tented camps. NCA now fears the deadly cholera epidemic that has already claimed over 900 lives may spread quickly.
Norwegian Church Aid has increased its personnel resources on the ground and has stepped up its activities in 30 different tented camps and informal settlements across the country and in the poor neighbourhoods of Cité Soleil and Bel Air, many of which are now flooded.
Our efforts are concentrated around delivering water, sanitation and hygiene ("WASH") assistance: providing clean drinking water, building and maintaining latrines, and assisting with cholera-prevention measures. Latrines and shower blocks were storm-secured in advance of the storm, and our team is now ready to repair damaged water systems and pump out floodwater where required.
Other ACT Alliance partners have ensured that tents, plastic sheeting, rehydration salts and hygiene kits can be distributed immediately as required.
Read the latest updates from our storm response here: