Environment

Haiti Struggles After Violent Storm Season

by Jordan Yerman | September 13, 2008 at 07:00 am

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As Ike hits Texas, it leaves Haiti in its wake, the fourth major storm this season to do so. Haiti is one of the world's poorest nations, and is ill-equipped to deal with this level of destruction on its own. As it stands, more than one million people have been left homeless due to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, and Tropical Storms Hanna and Fay. According to Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis, part of a city may have to be moved entirely.

"We need major support and it is time for the world to understand that," she said.
"We've suffered too much in this country."

Strong winds and torrential rains over the past month have battered Haiti's already fragile infrastructure and left more than 550 people dead.

Ms Pierre-Louis told the BBC that part of the city of Gonaives, which was almost completely destroyed by the hurricanes, may now have to be built elsewhere.

Prior coverage here.