Tropical Storm Isaac is now expected to remain a tropical storm when it reaches Haiti later tonight.  The winds and rain, however, have potential to cause damage to persons and property.  CRS staff and partners are prepared to respond.

In addition to the supplies mentioned in yesterday’s report, CRS staff in Haiti report they have supplies of food that can provide emergency food rations (minimum caloric intake for family of 5) for 72,000 families for one month or 24,000 families for three months.

Tropical Storm Isaac is also expected to hit Cuba.  CRS works closely with the Catholic aid agency Caritas Cuba and will support them in any humanitarian relief needed.

Media Contact:
Tom Price
tom.price@crs.org
(443) 951-7245
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Previous post on August 23, 2012

The wind and rains from Tropical Storm Isaac are expected to be felt in Haiti starting later today, Thursday August 23, and through tomorrow.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the entire country and many sources indicate that by late Friday Port au Prince is at risk of being hit by what could be a Hurricane by that time.

Haiti is particularly vulnerable to the effects of storms with widespread deforestation and many people still in temporary shelter following the 2010 earthquake. Past storms have produced life threatening mudslides and flooding. CRS staff in Haiti are working diligently to protect lives and property from potential danger from the storm while CRS’ emergency team outside of Haiti is prepared to arrive over the weekend. The emergency teams number 40 staff in total.

Stocks of supplies include plastic sheeting, hygiene kits, kitchen cooking kits, bathing and laundry soap and water purification tablets and have been prepositioned in warehouses located in Les Cayes, in the south of the island, and Port au Prince. The supplies can support between 2,000 and 5,000 families.

CRS staff is participating in meetings with local government representatives from the United States government and mission, the Government of Haiti (Department of Civil Protection), humanitarian partners, Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Haiti to coordinate emergency response efforts and communications. CRS, together with its local church partners, is also monitoring the situation in the neighboring Dominican Republic and in Cuba, and is poised to respond.

Since the earthquake that struck Port au Prince in January 2010, CRS has constructed 10,600 temporary shelters (T-shelters) into which 23,000 people have moved. These T-shelters are built to withstand wind and rain.

Media Contact:
Tom Price
tom.price@crs.org
(443) 951-7245