Haiti: Melissa Worsens the Plight of Displaced People in Camps

For several days, Haiti has been living under the threat of Hurricane Melissa. This natural phenomenon brings with it showers and winds that can blow up to 260 km/h. A situation that greatly worsens the plight of people seeking refuge in displacement camps.

During a visit to the camp of the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications, in Delmas 33, the observation is simply catastrophic, especially since this crisis occurs in a context of a resurgence of cholera. These citizens are experiencing very difficult and alarming times. Because of the hurricane, they no longer have the means to house themselves.

"Where I used to lay my sheets to sleep is now flooded. I spend the whole night standing," Janine, met in the camp, told us, indicating that she doesn't know what to do.

This reality is the same for the majority of displaced people interviewed. Babies, children, pregnant women are not spared. "I have no means to protect my baby and my two other children from the cyclone," Anne confided to us.

These refugees, who were already facing numerous problems such as unsanitary conditions, hunger, and other difficulties, see their suffering and pain intensified with the arrival of Melissa.

Stating that they have not received a visit from any state authority who came to inquire about their situation during the hurricane's passage, these displaced people renew their call for help so that measures are adopted to allow them to return to their homes.

On the other hand, refugees living within the premises of the Directorate of Social Affairs did not hide their frustration with the difficult conditions they endure. They criticize the government, which they accuse of having forgotten their existence. These parents continue to ask the competent authorities to resolve the problem of insecurity.

During a press briefing, authorities placed five departments (Nippes, Sud, Ouest, Grand'Anse, and Sud-Est) under red alert due to the evolution of Hurricane Melissa, while the orange alert remains in effect in Nord-Ouest and Artibonite.

The government calls on the population to redouble vigilance and invites brigadiers as well as Civil Protection volunteers to mobilize alongside the population.

Gedeon Delva