Upcoming hurricane season and persistent violence increasing the risks of famine for children in Haiti 

• Experts predicting 23 named storms, out of those, 11 potential hurricanes 

• Land erosion and deforestation increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in extremely vulnerable rural areas 

• World Vision focusing on climate-adapted food production and community preparedness for disasters in rural areas 

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, May 21, 2024 - Almost five million people in Haiti, half of them children, are at risk of famine as an extraordinarily active hurricane season approaches the already vulnerable country dealing with ongoing violence, warns international humanitarian organization, World Vision. 

Latin America and the Caribbean are less than two weeks away from an unusually active hurricane season, predicted to be hit with 23 named storms, and out of those, 11 potential hurricanes during the period that stretches from June until November. Climate disruptions, exacerbated by La Niña and extremely warm temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, could severely affect Haiti, an already climate-vulnerable country. 

The predicted impacts of the hurricane season, which include landslides, floods and increased erosion of intensely deforested lands, threatens almost 5 million people in Haiti who are already experiencing acute food malnutrition. Out of those, 1,64 million are facing emergency (phase 4) food insecurity, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

“Thousands of Port-au-Prince and Cité Soleil residents, who are already enduring prolonged gang violence and extreme poverty, are being forcedly displaced to rural areas such as La Gonave and Le Grand Anse, where access to food and water is extremely limited,” explained Lesly Michaud, Country Program Director for World Vision in Haiti. 

World Vision is working in several rural areas to develop sustainable livelihoods, including the development of community gardens and climate-adapted crops, to ensure food for children. Water wells and sanitation services are also being provided to protect the lives and health of children. In other communities, the INGO is distributing food baskets and cash vouchers to displaced families.  

An estimated 400,000 people have been forcedly displaced due to the persisting violence and have limited access to food, water and medicines in Haiti. Now, the imminent onset of the hurricane season is dramatically increasing the risk of famine for children and their families. 

In response, World Vision is intensifying its community preparedness operations, working with faith actors, local authorities and the community to prevent potentially devastating effects of climate-related disasters. 

“Our efforts are focused on developing livelihoods which are adapted to climate disruptions. However, the extent of deforestation and poverty in Haiti goes beyond our capacities. We urgently need financial assistance to prevent a famine disaster in a country whose supply chain is severely disrupted due to violence in the capital city. We must act quickly,” added Michaud. 

For further information please contact:  

Mishelle Mitchell, Regional Director of External Engagement, World Vision LAC Mishelle_mitchell@wvi.org 

Gabriela Becerra, Communications Manager Hope Without Borders gabriela_becerra@wvi.org