The United Nations said Friday it was rushing relief
assistance to some of the worst-hit Caribbean islands, with Haiti and Cuba
heading the list, while damage and threats to residents were being assessed.
John Holmes, chief coordinator of the UN humanitarian emergency programme, said
the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have been affected by heavy
flooding.
The Caribbean has been hit by three Atlantic storms and hurricanes in three
weeks, with the latest - Tropical Storm Hanna - now heading toward southeastern
United States.
"The damage is bad enough, but it will take some time to determine the
extent of it," Holmes told a press conference at UN headquarters.
Holmes said it was too early to give a clear report on the extent of the damage
and the condition of affected people in the region. Some islands, such as the
Dominican Republic, have not yet requested assistance or reported on the
destruction.
Worst-hit Haiti suffered "very severe" damage, with 100 to 200
deaths, Holmes said. On Friday, Haitian officials reported at least 136 deaths.
Holmes said an estimated 600,000 Haitians need help, including 250,000 in Gonaives district alone.
Holmes said the UN planned to launch an appeal for donations in coming days to
assist Haiti and other Caribbean islands. UN agencies have deployed workers
while the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti was helping with evacuations in
flooded areas.
Hurricane Gustav ravaged Cuba last week, destroying up to 100,000 homes and 500
schools, dpa reported.