- Experts predicting 23 named storms, including 11
hurricanes
- Land erosion and deforestation increasing the risk of flash
floods and landslides in extremely vulnerable rural areas
- World Vision focusing on climate-adapted food production and
community preparedness
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, May 22, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Global humanitarian organization World Vision
warns that nearly 5 million people in Haiti, half of them children, are at risk of
famine as experts predict one of the most active hurricane seasons
on record, the impacts of which are likely to worsen hunger and
poverty resulting from ongoing violence in the already vulnerable
island nation.
Experts predict a "hyperactive" Atlantic hurricane season
between June and November, with 23 named storms that include 11
potential hurricanes and five that could reach major hurricane
status. These climate disruptions, driven by La Niña and resultant
extremely warm temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, could severely
affect Haiti, which is highly
vulnerable to this and other natural hazards.
The predicted impacts of this year's hurricane season, which
include landslides, floods and increased erosion of intensely
deforested lands, threaten nearly 5 million people in Haiti who are already experiencing acute
malnutrition. Of these, over 1.6 million are facing emergency
(Phase 4) food insecurity, according to the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO).
"Thousands of Port-au-Prince
and Cité Soleil residents, who are already enduring prolonged gang
violence and extreme poverty, are being forcedly displaced to rural
areas such as La Gonave and Grand'Anse, where access to food and
water is extremely limited," explained Lesly Michaud, World Vision's program director
in Haiti.
World Vision is working in several rural areas to support the
development of sustainable livelihoods, including the establishment
of community gardens and climate-adapted crops, to help ensure
sufficient amounts of nutritious food for children. Water wells and
sanitation services are also being provided to protect children's
lives and health. In other communities, World Vision teams are
distributing food baskets and cash vouchers to displaced
families.
An estimated 360,000 people in Haiti have been forcibly displaced by the
persistent violence and have limited access to food, water and
healthcare. Now, the imminent hurricane season is dramatically
increasing the risk of famine for children and their families.
In response, World Vision is intensifying its community
preparedness operations, working with local faith leaders,
authorities and the community to prevent potentially devastating
impacts from pending climate-related disasters.
"Our efforts are focused on developing livelihoods which are
adapted to climate disruptions," added Michaud. "However, the
extent of deforestation and poverty in Haiti goes beyond our capacities. We urgently
need financial assistance to prevent a famine disaster in a country
whose supply chain is severely disrupted due to violence in the
capital city. We must act quickly."
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated
to working with children, families and their communities worldwide
to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and
injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion,
race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please
visit worldvision.org or follow on X, formerly known as
Twitter, @WorldVisionUSA.
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SOURCE World Vision U.S.