Earthquake and tropical storm: Haiti fears the double catastrophe

In Haiti, rescue and recovery work continues after the quake. Almost 1,300 dead have already been recovered. In addition, there is now the fear of the approaching tropical storm.

Rescue workers are looking for survivors under high pressure in the rubble. Excavators carefully remove the rubble – it is precision work.

The interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry got himself an impression of the catastrophic situation in the affected region in the south of the country. “Many houses have been completely destroyed. The rescue workers are working under high pressure to find survivors in the rubble. What I was able to see on site and what impressed me is the dignity of the people who have preserved them in this dire situation. You. You.” are badly hit, but are struggling to survive. “

Fear of flooding from tropical storms

Time is of the essence, the catastrophe could worsen in the next few hours. Because the approaching tropical storm “Grace” could cause further devastation. Heavy rain showers and corresponding floods are to be expected. Buildings that have been damaged could now collapse entirely.

Serge Chery was also hit by the earthquake and is left with nothing – just like many people around him. “We absolutely need tents. That is our biggest concern. We need at least 30,000 tents here. We are simply not prepared for this situation here.”

Even after the severe earthquake in 2010, in which more than 200,000 people were killed, there were hardly any emergency plans in the communities, let alone earthquake-proof houses.

Hospitals destroyed, roads buried

A relative of Louis Igeal was also seriously injured and he needs urgent medical care. “There is so much destruction. The quake had a magnitude of 7.2, the experts say. The people in Port-au-Prince have no idea what is going on here in Les Cayes. The city is devastated.”

The supply situation is difficult, and many hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Rescue workers have difficulties getting into the affected region at all. Roads were buried in aftershocks. And while the aid for the injured is only just beginning, the next natural disaster is already looming – the tropical storm “Grace” could claim further deaths.