Overview:
Haiti has reported three deaths and 6 accidents attributable to landslides and flooding as Tropical Storm Melissa continues to pound a number of areas. Civil Safety officers report materials harm throughout a number of departments as authorities warn of extra heavy rain, flooding and landslides within the days forward.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Three folks have died and 6 others had been injured in Haiti as Tropical Storm Melissa continues to carry heavy rains, flooding, landslides and wind throughout a number of areas, the Directorate Common of Civil Safety (DGPC) confirmed Friday.
In its Situation Report No. 2, the DGPC stated two folks had been killed and one injured on Thursday in Fontamara, a neighborhood within the West Division, following a landslide. An aged man in his 70s was additionally killed a day earlier in Marigot, within the Southeast Division, after being struck by a fallen tree.
5 different folks had been injured Wednesday within the Artibonite Department, the place floodwaters inundated the commune of Ennery, destroying properties and damaging infrastructure.
Civil Safety officers additionally reported widespread materials harm, together with the collapse of a bridge in Sainte-Suzanne, within the Northeast Division, and flooding on Rue Saint-Martin in Port-de-Paix, the place a number of homes had been destroyed or severely broken.
“The outer bands of Tropical Storm Melissa proceed to create instability over Haiti,” stated the nation’s meteorological authorities. “Its sluggish motion will increase the chance of extended rainfall, making floods and landslides nearly inevitable.”
5 departments stay beneath orange alert as authorities urge vigilance and solidarity.
The Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) of the Ministry of Agriculture has stored the Southeast, South, Nippes, Grand’Anse and West departments beneath an orange cyclone alert, issued on Wednesday. Authorities warn that the storm may shift northward and strengthen right into a hurricane by the weekend.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, the storm’s heart was situated about 212 miles south of Les Cayes and 300 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, shifting north-northwest at lower than two miles per hour. Meteorologists count on Melissa — the thirteenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season — to stay slow-moving, prolonging rainfall over southern and western Haiti via the weekend.
Authorities warn of flash floods, landslides, and robust wind gusts that would strike coastal and mountainous areas, with notably harmful sea swells alongside the southern and western coasts.
Civil Safety officers are urging residents in flood-prone and mountainous areas to hunt shelter with kin, keep away from rivers and bridges, and comply with official climate bulletins somewhat than rumors.
“The outer bands of Tropical Storm Melissa proceed to create instability over Haiti.”
Haitian meteorological authorities
“Don’t cross water flowing on the bottom, on bridges, or in automobiles,” the DGPC stated in a public advisory posted on X. “Present solidarity with essentially the most weak — the aged, folks with disabilities, and kids — and preserve your belongings and essential paperwork secure.”
Emergency Operations Facilities (EOCs) have been activated throughout a number of departments. The Minister of the Inside additionally met with representatives from the ten departmental mayors’ federations on Thursday to strengthen coordination and readiness measures.
Nevertheless, the Haitian authorities has not but introduced any official plans for short-term shelters or for distributing aid provides, resembling meals, tents, or waterproof clothes, to these displaced by flooding.
Worldwide companies mobilize help, Haiti’s battle with recurring disasters
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) introduced Thursday it’s releasing $4 million to help greater than 100,000 Haitians in danger from Tropical Storm Melissa. The funding will likely be managed by the World Meals Programme (WFP), UNICEF and the Worldwide Group for Migration (IOM).
“These funds are a part of anticipatory motion efforts that permit the humanitarian neighborhood in Haiti to arrange for the direct impacts of storms and hurricanes,” stated Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-Common.
UN companies stated they’re prioritizing communities most in danger — notably these in casual settlements, the place flooding and poor sanitation may worsen the unfold of cholera and different waterborne ailments.
Melissa arrives as Haiti continues to face deep challenges in managing pure disasters. A long time of deforestation, city overcrowding, poor drainage, and weak governance have left the nation extremely uncovered to even average tropical storms.