Assessing the needs and damage in wake of Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew has now left Haiti behind and is powering over the Bahamas and towards Florida. However dangerous conditions and risks to human life and infrastructure prevail on the island.

Preliminary figures show that five people have died, ten have been injured and one person is missing. Over 15,000 displaced people have been moved to 152 shelters. Meanwhile damage to agriculture, infrastructure and homes has been reported as severe in certain areas. 

Many rivers have flooded and a national road into the capital has been cut following the collapse of the La Digue bridge. Communications are severed between the Grand'Anse and the rest of the country and telephone communication is very limited in other parts. Schools remain closed until 10 October.  

The hurricane may have passed but the damage may continue. Continuous rain, strong winds and extremely dangerous sea conditions with waves of up to 10 feet continued yesterday, and heavy to extreme downpours may occur over the next day or so. This means that the risk of severe flooding accompanied by mudslides and coastal flooding remains.

Our teams are on the ground, working with the government and partners to assess the needs and damage.

In the La Gonâve community, where 150 people were staying in temporary shelters, we dristribued blankets to those forced from their homes.

And in the Grand Ravine area, drainage channels strengthened by Concern in recent years have held strong. This has cut the risk of sewage contaminating drinking water, and will protect residents from disease. People in Grand Ravine have also been following the safety advice passed on by Concern in recent days.

Support those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti by donating to our appeal.

• Blog: Concern teams ready to respond to Hurricane Matthew
• Concern’s work in Haiti
• Blog: Support reaches Haitian families surviving Hurricane Matthew