Death Toll In Haiti Rises To 870 After Hurricane Matthew, Reports State
Following the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti, the number of lives lost to the storm continues to increase.
According to Reuters, nearly 900 people have died partly due to fallen debris and the resurgence of the cholera disease. Thousands have been left homeless and without access to food and clean water. The site adds that dozens of people are missing.
The worst hurricane to hit Haiti in more than a half century has left a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/FMb8RSv0aH
— AJ+ (@ajplus) October 8, 2016
An estimate of 350,000 people are still in need of aid, the Associated Press reports. Authorities said those who resided in Haiti’s mountainous areas or on the outskirts were hit the hardest. Trees and other elements flattened homes that were in the direct path of the storm.
Government official, Frenel Kedner, spoke on the severity of the locations that were fatally hit. “We flew over parts of the Grand’Anse region. It’s a humanitarian catastrophe,” Kedner said of Jeremie, a town in southwest Haiti. “The people urgently need food, water, medicine.”
Haiti I pray for you all. You are some of the most resilient people on earth. God’s peace and mercy to you.
— Lecrae (@lecrae) October 8, 2016
Can’t even fathom what has happened in Haiti. There are absolutely no words. Lord, have mercy.
— Nelle (@cheni_amorr) October 8, 2016
where are all the Haiti filters @facebook @snapchat @????
— peppa goat (@belly_love_ski) October 8, 2016
Haiti cant catch a break man
— WID (@widmax2) October 8, 2016
Hurricane Matthew left over 840 dead in Haiti. I have no words 💔 pic.twitter.com/QRtOP6jH5a
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) October 7, 2016
The UN admits that aid could take days to reach the more rural parts of Haiti, and fears the number of deaths will continue to rise as search parties were formed.