IFRC Storm Response

At approximately 15h00 on 24 September, an unexpected and fierce storm hit Port-au-Prince (PaP) and the metropolitan area with extremely heavy rain and strong winds. The storm was not forecast and no warnings had been issued.

The Haitian Red Cross and the IFRC have been preparing for events like this for many months. Our teams ready to deploy at short notice, and we have emergency stocks available to ensure a timely and appropriate response.

The impact of the storm has been severe in some camps. Early estimates are that at least 2,000 families have lost their emergency shelters (mainly tents). We have emergency shelter supplies ready to be distributed to those in need.

Early anecdotal evidence suggests that the camp level mitigation activities that agencies like the Red Cross have been undertaking in recent months had a positive impact. Many shelters had been reinforced appropriately and were able to withstand the winds. Drainage channels in places like Corail were sufficient to divert water away.

Future storms could be significantly worse than this one. Whilst severe, yesterday's storm was not comparable to a tropical storm or a hurricane, or even days of prolonged rains.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• IFRC
• Storm
• Response

[RCvolunteer1978]

this is why i have said to send moble concrete making trucks to make just enough concrete on site build 20 basic homes and then move on to another location US Construction worker could train others in building blocks / hand pured concrete homes