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 individuals have died and 6 others have 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 individuals have 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 individuals have 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 have 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 gradual motion will increase the danger of extended rainfall, making floods and landslides virtually inevitable.”
5 departments stay below orange alert as authorities urge vigilance and solidarity.
The Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) of the Ministry of Agriculture has saved the Southeast, South, Nippes, Grand’Anse and West departments below an orange cyclone alert, issued on Wednesday. Authorities warn that the storm might shift northward and strengthen right into a hurricane by the weekend.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, the storm’s middle was positioned 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 anticipate 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 might 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 relations, keep away from rivers and bridges, and observe official climate bulletins moderately 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 probably the most susceptible — the aged, individuals with disabilities, and youngsters — and preserve your belongings and necessary 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 non permanent shelters or for distributing reduction provides, similar to 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 probably 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 enable the humanitarian group in Haiti to organize 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 might 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.