Haiti Floods - World Food Programme 2008

Hurricanes Fay and Gustav and tropical storm Hanna swept through Haiti in the late summer of 2008 causing widespread destruction throughout the country. Initial needs assessments following the disasters estimate that up to 800 000 people are in need of humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance. The number of Haitians directly and indirectly affected by the extreme weather conditions is much higher. A large majority of the population is already facing extreme hardship with 53% living on less than one US dollar per day while prices for staple foods have increased over 40% since the beginning of the year. CIDA's contribution is supporting the World Food Programme (WFP) to help address the emergency food needs of disaster-affected populations in Haiti. Activities concentrate on providing rations and high-energy biscuits to the most vulnerable populations as well as meals for schoolchildren. WFP activities also include food-for-work and cash-for-work activities. The operation expects to reach an estimated 800 000 beneficiaries.