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6 November 2007
Tropical storm Noel hits Dominican Republic and Haiti
Tropical Storm Noel, active between 28th October and 2nd November, has brought heavy rain, flooding and mudslides in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Noel strengthened to a category 1 hurricane before passing over the north-west tip of the Bahamas on 30th October.
The Dominican Republic has been worst affected, with flooding and landslides affecting 80% of the country. Approximately 66,500 people have been displaced of which 23,500 are in shelters and 43,000 are staying with friends and relatives. Approximately 16,700 homes have been damaged. Eighty-four people have died with a further 48 missing as of 5th November.
In addition, there has been severe damage to:
- Transport infrastructure;
- 95% damage to plantain, banana and tomato plantations;
- 40% of water supply distribution; and
- 60% of 122 aqueducts.
Hospitals and medical facilities have reached maximum capacity and there is concern about potential malnutrition and disease outbreaks, including acute diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections and dengue fever. Rainfall is abating but eight provinces are still without power.
DFID and the Royal Navy are providing assistance to the Dominican Republic. DFID is reimbursing the marginal costs of the Royal Navy, which has deployed a ship to the Dominican Republic where a Lynx helicopter carried onboard is assisting to deliver supplies and in the evacuation.
In Haiti, Tropical Storm Noel produced between 10 and 20 inches of rainfall, leading to flash floods, mudslides and extensive flooding. Forty people have died, and approximately 11,400 people have been evacuated to shelters. Damage is reported to 3,000 houses and 883 houses have been totally destroyed.
There has been no call for international assistance from Haiti. DFID continues to monitor the situation closely and is ready to respond should the situation change.
