For immediate release:

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI/New York, NY- Flooding in Haiti causes major loss as well as damages to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods.

On June 3, 2023, Haiti experienced severe flooding, rockslides, and landslides. So far, the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) estimates 51 deaths, 140 people injured, 31,591 homes flooded, and 2,445 homes destroyed or damaged. 

According to the Ministry of Public Health and Population at least five health facilities were flooded in the communes of Léogâne, Gressier, Marigot, and Belle-Anse. Landslides and floodwater damage have further worsened conditions, particularly in the Sud-Est department. Other issues faced are fuel shortages and telephone communication difficulties.  

Flooding has caused extensive damage to Malteser International Americas (MI Americas) food security project in Belle-Anse, as well as significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods of the Cité Soleil community. A response is forthcoming with Hygiene kit distribution for 1,000 Affected households, Sanitation material distribution, Community Sensitization on hygiene good practices and IGA (cash distribution to small sellers and small livestock distribution). 

While most evacuees have returned to their homes, a significant portion of the affected population, now find themselves in a precarious situation after the loss of goods, territory, flooded fields, and livestock. Food security is one of Haiti’s main concerns. Lack of sustainable infrastructure, political turmoil, a deteriorating security situation, and a historic vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events- all work against sustainable progress in the country.  

Malteser International Americas (MI Americas) is an affiliate of Malteser International (MI) and is the international humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Since 1956, we have provided relief and recovery for people during and following conflicts and disasters around the world. Christian values and humanitarian principles form the foundations of our work. In over 35 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, we support people in need – regardless of their religion, origin, or political convictions. In the Americas, MI Americas is currently implementing projects in the fields of Health, Relief, Reconstruction & Rehabilitation; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Sustainable Livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaption in Colombia, Haiti, Peru, Mexico, and the USA. Further information: www.orderofmaltarelief.org

Contact:
Ximena Greenhouse
Communications and Marketing Manager
Ximena.greenhouse@malteser-international.org