Caritas teams are assessing damage caused in Haiti after Tropical Storm Gustav swept over the country.

Caritas disaster mitigation advisors are working with the Haitian Government, while logistics teams are on the ground and are ready for action once the rains decrease.

Flooding in some regions of the country has caused extensive damage to housing, infrastructure and agriculture, and up to 25,000 people are without drinking water.

The most affected areas is Cité Soleil where 4000 people are in shelters. The South-East, South, West, Nippes, Grand-Anse, Artibonite and the centre have also been affected.

The Haitian Government has set up shelters for thousands of people whose homes have been affected by the storm. In the capital, Port-au-Prince, many people stockpiled food and businesses and embassies closed during the storm, but have since reopened.

Haiti is considered the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Caritas Haiti has been helping people by running projects including ones in agriculture, health and community development, for over thirty years.

Heavy rains are expected to continue in Haiti increasing the threat of flash floods and mudslides.

Michelle Hough Communications Officer

Tel: +39 06 69879752 Cell: +39 334 2344136 Skype: meesh_roma