On 2–3 June 2023, heavy rains caused destructive flooding across Haiti. Western areas of the country were particularly hard-hit. At least 51 people were killed, 140 were injured, and 11 were reported missing as of 6 June.
 Satellite imagery of the storm system responsible for the floods on 3 June | |
| Cause | Heavy rains |
|---|---|
| Meteorological history | |
| Duration | 2–3 June 2023 |
| Flood | |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 51 |
| Injuries | 140 |
| Missing | 18 |
| Areas affected | Ouest, Nippes, Sud-Est, Nord-Ouest, and Centre departments, Haiti |
| Houses destroyed | ≥160 |
Background
editFrom late May to early June 2023, periods of heavy rain impacted Haiti, leaving soils saturated and unable to absorb much additional rain. On 2–3 June, a stationary area of low pressure produced heavy rain and thunderstorms across the country.[1][2] Rains subsided the following day as the storm system waned. With the aforementioned soils saturated, widespread flooding and landslides ensued.[1][3]
Impact and aftermath
editRivers overflowed their banks, inundating many communities.[4] Landslides were also reported.[3] Five of Haiti's ten departments were affected: Ouest, Nippes, Sud-Est, Nord-Ouest, and Centre.[4] Damage was particularly severe around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.[5] As of 6 June, 51 people were confirmed dead, 140 were injured, and 18 remained missing.[6][7] One person drowned and 14 others were rescued when their boat capsized off the coast of Côtes-de-Fer.[8] Crops were severely affected in central regions of the country.[9] Three rivers burst their banks around Jérémie, leaving the city partially isolated.[10] A bridge recently constructed in the city following a catastrophic earthquake in 2021 was partially destroyed.[8] A total of 37,375 people were affected, 13,390 of whom were displaced. At least 13,591 homes were flooded and 820 were destroyed. Five health centers were also affected[7]
Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested international aid following the disaster.[5] The World Food Programme began mobilizing resources and personnel on 5 June, with rations and dry food for 15,000 planned for distribution.[4] The Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Emergencies and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs worked in tandem for relief efforts. Relief missions costing US$720 million already in place from the 2021 earthquake were only 20 percent funded at the time of the floods.[1] Recurrent gang violence hampered relief efforts. Léogâne Mayor Ernson Henry described residents as "desperate...[after losing] everything".[10]
Two earthquakes followed the floods: a Mw4.1 on 4 June and a Mw 4.9 on 6 June.[11][12] The latter of these occurred near Jérémie, further complicating relief efforts.[10] Four people were killed and 36 others were injured.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (5 June 2023). Haiti: Severe Climatic Events – Flash Update # 1 (5 June 2023) (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 5 June 2023 – via ReliefWeb.
- ^ Perez, Kate (6 June 2023). "Haiti hit by 4.9 magnitude earthquake as nation reels from floods that killed 42". USA Today. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ a b "15 dead, 8 missing after heavy rains unleash floods in Haiti". Associated Press. 4 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ a b c "Death toll reaches 42 as Haiti inundated by deadly floods". Al Jazeera. 5 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Death toll rises to 42 as Haiti struggles to recover from floods". The Independent. 5 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ a b Sanon, Evens; Coto, Dánica (6 June 2023). "4.9 magnitude quake strikes southern Haiti; 4 dead, dozens injured". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ a b Pan American Health Organization (8 June 2023). Flooding/Earthquake - Haiti Situation Report 1 - Date 06/06/2023 (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 10 June 2023 – via ReliefWeb.
- ^ a b Charles, Jacqueline (3 June 2023). "Haiti gets battered by damaging floods as Caribbean prepares for hurricane season". The Miami Herald. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ Jiménez, Jesus (5 June 2023). "At Least 42 Are Dead and Thousands Are Displaced After Flooding in Haiti". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ a b c "Haiti: Deadly earthquake kills three after floods". BBC News. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ "M 4.1 – Haiti region". United States Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program. 4 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ "M 4.9 – 9 km NE of Les Abricots, Haiti". United States Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program. 4 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.