Haiti: Situation post-Hurricane Maria /update 2

Event

On Tuesday, September 26, officials released their final report on the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, which passed near the country last week. The Directorate of Civil Protection reported that four people were killed by the storm. Northern regions of the country were particularly affected, with at least 2049 homes flooded in the Nord department. Three suspected cases of water-borne diseases have also been reported in Centre department.

Context

Hurricane Maria peaked as a Category 5 storm as it crossed the Caribbean September 18-23. Hurricane Maria did not directly hit Haiti, but caused significant flooding and heavy rain in the Artibonite, Centre, Nord, and Nord-Ouest departments.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas should monitor the situation and take all necessary precautions to mitigate the risks of water-borne illnesses (e.g. never drink tap water and avoid under-cooked foods). Because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water; all items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.