Haiti: Landslide in Port-au-Prince April 25

Event

Heavy rains stuck the capital Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, April 25, triggering a deadly landslide. At least one person was killed in the incident, which occurred in the Canapé-Vert neighborhood. More rain, with the potential to result in further landslides and/or flooding, is currently forecast for the capital daily through at least May 3.

Context

Due to poor infrastructure, cities and towns throughout Haiti are highly vulnerable to floods and emergency response efforts are often insufficient. Flooding is particularly common during the country’s dual rainy seasons, which last from April to June and from August to October.

Advice

Individuals present in Haiti, notably Port-au-Prince, are advised to follow local weather forecasts and adhere to adhere to any orders issued by the authorities. In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.