CARE Assists Haitian Response to Hurricane Tomas

PORT-AU-PRINCE (November 8, 2010) - Hurricane Tomas passed immediately west of Haiti Friday, bringing hurricane-force winds and several inches of rain to a country where more than 1.2 million remain without permanent shelter since January's devastating earthquake. Haiti is also in the midst of a cholera outbreak that has left 544 dead and 8,138 hospitalized.

"Our teams are working hard to deliver effective aid to the most vulnerable people in the communities affected by Tomas and the cholera outbreak," said Ginny Ubik, CARE's country director in Haiti.

Though Tomas did not do as much damage as was feared, Haitian officials report the storm left six dead, two missing, and 18,250 displaced. Areas hardest-hit by the storm include Artibonite, Nord-Ouest, Grande Anse, Léogâne and Carrefour.

Haitian officials and CARE staff are closely monitoring the situation as flooding from Tomas' heavy rains may accelerate the spread of cholera, as well as increase the risk of other waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, malaria and respiratory problems. To help prevent this, CARE has already distributed hygiene kits, water purification tablets, high energy biscuits, and essential non-food-items to 15,000 people in the most-affected areas. CARE is also disseminating cholera prevention tips to an even wider audience in Haiti as the storm has caused contaminated water to flow into homes, streets and schools.

"Our staff saw first-hand how the flooding threatens health and safety. In Léogâne, for example, gutters have overflowed and human waste is floating on the water; the same water where kids are playing," Ubik said. "This is a serious issue, and CARE is devoting time and energy on water and sanitation."

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the world's largest humanitarian aid agencies. Working side by side with poor people in 72 countries, CARE helps empower communities to address the greatest threats to their survival. Women are at the heart of CARE's efforts to improve health, education and economic development because experience shows that a woman's achievements yield dramatic benefits for her entire family. CARE is also committed to providing lifesaving assistance during times of crisis, and helping rebuild safer, stronger communities afterward.