Environment
Martelly Takes to the Streets with Severe Weather Expected for Next 10 Days
- Tuesday, June 07, 2011 8:23 AM
MIAMI, USA - Meteorologist have forecast up to 10 more days of showers and thunderstorms in Haiti, this is following a week of down pours.
On Monday, a low pressure (< 30%) system formed in the northwest Caribbean sea, south of Cuba, west of Jamaica, and has been stationary causing down consistent rains.
Floods were a main concern given the amount of rainfall and it was reported over the weekend that Lake Azuei overflowed its banks prompting an evacuation of the area by the Haitian government and aid groups.
Official, Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste of the Civil Protection Department tells Radio Galaxie Tuesday morning that 11 have died in mudslides or drowned.
President Michel Martelly went to the neighborhood of Cite Soleil where officials said the area had completely flooded. "I was in the streets during the rain, and I got home, put my boots on, and I'm back in the streets to assess the situation."
"I'm now trying to help people, and distribute some food. I hope people can find shelter," Martelly continued with members of his administration who handed out supplies.
The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, Florda, USA was worried that the low pressure system would develop into a tropical depression but as of 7 am, that had not been the case.
The NHC is worried that the rains "could cause flash floods and mud slides over portions of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba."
Meteorologists forecast a return to sunny days to be June 16.
Weather Reports: National Hurricane Center, Weather.com
Related 06.05.2011: Evacuations Begin after Lake Overflows
Related 05.19.2011: US Hurricane Center Chief Encourages Social Media as part of Disaster Preparedness
Related 04.26.2011: Timberland Pledges to Plant Trees in Haiti
Related 02.18.2011: Meteorologist Predict Above Average Hurrican Season
Source: Hindustan Times
, Canada.com (photo)
