Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jun 4, 2011 / 15:04 pm
The situation of earthquake victims in Haiti continues to improve, but cholera is still a problem and the upcoming hurricane season poses a “major threat.”
“Historically, we know that Haiti is disproportionately vulnerable to hurricanes and that even tropical storms or just heavy rain can cause serious damage – in areas unaffected by the earthquake as well as in the camps, which are acutely vulnerable,” Jean Daniel Lafontant, Catholic Relief Services’ Haiti communications officer, told CNA on June 3.
In late April, unexpected heavy rains and strong winds flooded parts of metropolitan Port-au-Prince, damaging or destroying more than 1,550 emergency shelters and tents.
During the hurricane season those living in camps are also at greater risk of cholera, which is mainly spread through water.