Last Updated on August 23, 2020, 5:08 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Haitian authorities urged the residents on Saturday to prepare for tropical storm Laura, which could bring torrential rains, landslides and flooding before possibly building up to hurricane force as it moves toward the US.
The US National Hurricane Center has predicted around 25 storms this year. Laura is the 12th storm so far.
Jerry Chandler, director of the civil protection agency of Haiti, said that the people who are living in the at-risk zones, there could be landslides or floods, so, they should be ready to evacuate if the authorities issue such orders.
He added that they are starting to see small some wind and regional rainfalls. This would intensify by the end of the day.
Haiti has been on alert since Friday.
The storm Laura had gained strength since Saturday when it was passing from southern Puerto Rico.
The US hurricane centre has also said that while the long-range forecast is uncertain, the storm may reach hurricane strength off the coast of Florida early next week, after moving past the Bahamas and Cuba.
There is a chance of a second storm, named Marco, entering the Gulf as a hurricane and if it happens, it would be for the first time in the recorded history that two hurricanes would be in the Gulf simultaneously.
As a preventive measure, Haitian authorities have banned coastal navigation until a further order is issued.
Chandler urged people to abide by any evacuation orders if the authorities issue them.
He requested the people not to be stubborn and said that there are shelters in every zone with the minimum to meet their needs.
Haiti, with a population of 11 million, has seen a relatively low incidence of COVID-19 and has recorded 8,050 cases and 196 deaths because of the virus to date.
However, the authorities requested particular caution to prevent further spread of the virus in the aftermath of Laura’s passing.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
