Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 04/2009

Haiti After the Storms: Weather and Conflict

Robert M. Perito

November 2008

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

In September 2008, four hurricanes and tropical storms-Fay, Gustav, Hannah and Ike-slammed into Haiti with devastating force. Nearly 800 people were killed, 300 remain missing and more than 500 were injured. More than 150,000 people were displaced. Cities and towns were inundated with mud. Roads, bridges, crops and factories were destroyed. Damage to infrastructure was so great that helicopters and boats were required to reach parts of the island. Millions were left at risk of starvation. International aid officials warned that shortages could spark the kind of food riots that erupted in April of this year.