Tropical Storm Isaac: News Roundup

Tropical storm Isaac is expected to pass over Haiti and the Dominican Republic threatening two of the poorest nations in the Caribbean. Food for the Hungry is working in 29 communities in Haiti and 29 communities in the Dominican Republic. As we prepare for landfall, we’ll keep you up to date on the latest news from the area and the latest press we’re reading.

Latest News About Isaac

“In Haiti, more than 400,000 people are living in tent cities, as they are still recovering from destroyed homes from the January 2010 earthquake.” {FH Blog}

“Isaac was expected to dump between 8 and 12 inches (20 to 30.5 cm) of rain over parts of Hispaniola, with total accumulations up to 20 inches (51 cm) in some areas, the NHC said, posing a significant threat to Haiti, which is highly prone to flooding and mudslides because of its near-total deforestation.” {Reuters}

“Lamothe and other officials in Haiti, which is prone to flooding, said that the government has set aside about $50,000 in emergency funds and that it had buses and 32 boats on standby for evacuations.” {AP}

“Tropical Storm Isaac has strengthened modestly into a system with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, and it should remain a tropical storm before moving into Hispaniola and later Cuba this weekend. This interaction with land should inhibit further strengthening into a hurricane — for now.” {Houston Chronicle}

“They tell us to remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate. But where do you go?” asked Anilia Paul, 54, a mother of six, standing under a tattered structure that doubles as a welcome center and classroom in the Tapis Vert (Green Rug) tent city. “We have 300 families living inside here. They have no place to go.” {Miami Herald}

“Our experience in Haiti clearly indicates that it is not the storm or the winds, it’s the rain that causes the problems,” said Sinan Al-Najjar, the Red Cross’ deputy country representative in Haiti. “When rain comes, landslides and flash floods do happen in Haiti. We are trying to focus on which are the flood areas, which are the risk areas.” {CNN}

Social Media

This camp is home to 7000 Haitians who have no option but to weather Hurricane Isaac tomorrow #Haiti #Isaacinstagr.am/p/OsUYWTqhoF/

— David Darg (@daviddarg) August 24, 2012

Isaac is now a little stronger with 50mph winds. Look for more intensification today as it appears Isaac is getting better organized/stacked

— Hurricane Tracker (@hurrtrackerapp) August 24, 2012

Urgent Prayer: Tropical Storm Isaac is threatening to turn into a hurricane that will hit Haiti tomorrow & affect most vulnerable #tfpray

— Tearfund (@Tearfund) August 24, 2012

Terrifying to imagine Hurricane Isaac hitting Haiti with 400,000 still in tents like this. j.mp/Su2d4E

— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) August 24, 2012

heard from an org who just arrived in #haiti. says NONE of the people living in tent city have been warned about hurricane heading their way

— Danielle Dellorto (@DanielleCNN) August 23, 2012

Related posts:

1. Tropical Storm Isaac threatens Haiti and Dominican Republic
2. Tropical Storm Isaac Update: FH Communities
3. Haiti – Restoring lives after Hurricane Isaac
4. Unsung destruction in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
5. When the spotlight on disasters fade, the work goes on