It seems that Haiti was spared the worst from Hurricane Tomas as it hit the island on 5th November 2010. Initial reports had suggested that the hurricane would cause widespread devastation and Haitians, many already living in ramshackle camps following the earthquake in January 2010, were urged to flee those camps to seek safety elsewhere. However that 'elsewhere' was inevitably non-specific as most had no where to flee to and resented leaving their few possessions behind.

Concerns centred around the huts built in the camps being ripped apart with deadly metals and bricks being whipped into the air and slicing through anything that crossed their paths. Hurricane Thomas reached speeds of just over 80 mph as it headed towards Haiti and its capital Port-au-Prince, however at the last moment veered west towards Cuba. Despite being spared the worst, heavy rains fell caused widespread flooding, adding to concerns about the spread of the recent cholera outbreak.

Rapid support is required and you can assist by contacting on the charities listed below:

www.savethechildren.org.uk
www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk

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