Pregnant women evacuated as Haiti braces itself for Storm Tomas

Haitians suffering from cholera wait for medical treatment at a local hospital in the town of Saint Marc. Reuters/St-Felix Evens, courtesy www.alertnet.org

Aid is being stockpiled across the country as the people of Haiti prepare themselves for the arrival of Tomas, expected to be a category 1 hurricane by the time it hits the southern coast.

As part of our disaster preparation work, Plan has warehoused thousands of non-food supplies including first aid, hygiene kits, flashlights, waterproof clothing, plastic sheeting, tools and rope. Plan is also working to support and reinforce local Civil Protection Committees in program areas. We have also distributed first aid kits to trained health agents in camps and cash-for-work teams, which are already equipped with tools and equipment and are on standby to join response efforts alongside government, Plan and other agency workers.

All schools have been closed until Monday and staff have been warning people not to be tempted to take shelter in unfinished schools and other rebuilt buildings which may be dangerous.

An estimated 1.3 million displaced people are still living in temporary camps following January's massive earthquake. Plan has evacuated heavily pregnant women from one camp to safe houses in Croix de Bouquets but authorities have said mass evacuation is simply not an option.

With mountainous, deforested landscapes there is a serious risk of landslide and flash floods. Even before the earthquake, in 2008 some 800 people were killed in torrential downpours.

There are also fears that heavy rain will exacerbate sanitation problems and lead to increase in cholera cases. There has already been a recent 40% spike in the number of cholera deaths in Haiti – now confirmed at 442 with more than 6,700 cases. Experts say an increase in water and movement of people could speed up the spread.

Plan's water, sanitation and hygiene manager Oumar Doumbouya said: "People in vulnerable places are being encouraged to take shelter with friends and family if possible – but people living in such close proximity to each other is also a risk.

"We have been working hard to spread the word about how to reduce spread of cholera through simple hygiene practices and how to prepare for and protect themselves in the storm. However, this situation highlights the long-term needs throughout Haiti and the numerous challenges everyone is currently facing."