May 26, 2010
AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski reported yesterday that severe rains are expected in Haiti this week, with the possibility of flooding and mudslides. Sosnowski writes:
An average of 5 to 10 inches of rain is forecast to fall on the region into the weekend. However, local amounts will be higher in the mountains, where runoff will be excessive.
With well over a million Haitians living in makeshift camps, heavy rains pose an enormous threat. Tents and tarps are often no match for the berating rains. The rains can also overflow latrines, a serious public health concern. On Monday, The Guardian released a video report that captures the scene inside these camps during the rains. One resident says:
I don’t have a mother nor a father. I am by myself trying to make ends meet. I used to sleep in a tent on the street and now because of this rain my tent is destroyed. Tonight I will have to stand on my feet because I don’t have anything to sleep on.
While heavy rains can be devastating, the looming hurricane season may be catastrophic. Sosnowski writes:
AccuWeather.com hurricane expert Joe Bastardi expects a top 10 hurricane season as far as the number of storms are concerned this year.
It is imperative that more funding is allocated to the provision of safe, sturdy and reliable shelter immediately.
