Tropical Storm Grace hit Haiti on Tuesday, complicating rescue efforts to protect the thousands of homeless residents who suffered during the weekend earthquake.
1,941 people were confirmed dead, 9,900 people were injured, and 60,759 houses were destroyed. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred on Saturday, Reported by the country’s Civil Defense Agency. The current storm may make people more desperate because it increases the risk of mudslides and floods in the country.
according to National Hurricane Center, Before the storm continues, Grace may bring up to 15 inches of rain to some areas.
“[Tropical Storm Grace] UNICEF said in a statement on Tuesday that this further interferes with people’s access to water, shelter and other basic services. “Floods and mudslides may worsen the situation of vulnerable families and further complicate humanitarian response.”
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It is already fighting the coronavirus, gang violence, worsening poverty, and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse when the earthquake occurred on July 7. Associated Press reports.
The recent series of natural disasters in the region is causing further suffering to nearly 1.2 million suffering Haitians.
The Pentagon announced the establishment of a joint working group to assist the United States Agency for International Development in its disaster relief work, while the United Nations and the European Union allocated 8 million U.S. dollars and 3.5 million U.S. dollars to aid Haiti, respectively. CNN reported.
Thousands of pounds of professional equipment and medical supplies, as well as food and sanitation rescue supplies were also deployed.
