Weeks of severe weather in Haiti has left 600,000 people in need of aid and hundreds dead.

Hurricanes Fay, Gustav and Hanna have pounded the Caribbean island for weeks, and an even bigger storm Ike still threatens.

Caritas Haiti says it has wiped out much of the east of the country, leaving people with no food, water or shelter should more storms hit.

The storms have destroyed acres of farmland and homes, leaving the already poor people of Haiti more vulnerable.

In one of the worst hit towns of Gonaïves, Caritas reports that 25,000 people have lost their homes and are in 150 temporary camps.

Caritas has sent two trucks of food aid and other relief items to Gonaïves, with staff there reporting that the situation is bleak.

Bishop of Gonaïves has transformed his compound into a provisional centre and is looking after 500 people.

In a fluid situation, Caritas is planning to provide emergency relief to 4000 people with access to fresh water and sanitation. Caritas will build five shelter camps and help rebuild 500 homes.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and the storms have left the destitute even more desperate. Caritas will be providing 2000 families with aid to get back on their feet.

Caritas Haiti Director General Père Serge Chadic said, “The situation in Haiti is desperate. These storms have left people with nothing. We need outside help.

“The people are in need of food shelter, and water. In a country already wracked by conflict and food riots, we’re appealing to the outside world for support.”

Please call Patrick Nicholson on +39 06 698 79 725 or +39 334 359 0700 or email nicholson@caritas.va with any media requests.