Haiti’s geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to storms.

The Geographical Reality

For the last couple of years, the primary social and humanitarian issue in Haiti, has been violence and criminality, as well as other indications of a failed state. This article focuses explicitly on the aspect of the consequences of the relentless natural disasters that Haiti has encountered. Among these, were cyclones and tropical storms, causing millions of Haitians to be in desperate need of help.

Haiti’s geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to storms. Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Haiti lies directly in the path of storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean and make their way towards the island. They bring intense winds, torrential rains, and floodings, and have become a recurring danger for Haitians. The frequency and intensity of these storms have been rising with climate change. 

The Social Impact

Among the consequences of cyclones and tropical storms in Haiti, is the destruction of critical infrastructure. Homes, roads, and schools-many already in fragile condition-are regularly impacted, isolating communities in a country with extreme poverty and political instability. In rural areas, where many Haitians rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, the destruction of transportation networks can prevent them from reaching markets or retrieving necessary resources. 
Cyclones and tropical storms cause thousands of Haitians to flee their homes as floodwaters rise and landslides occur, adding to the growing number of displaced individuals.

The Haitian government has attempted to respond to these recurrent natural disasters, and coordinated recovery efforts. However, due to limited resources and logistical difficulties, international organizations and humanitarian agencies have become crucial in providing immediate support, in the aftermath of storms.

Lastly, Haiti's health system is experiencing immense pressure in the wake of natural disasters, and is struggling to cope with the surge in demand, due to inadequate funding, and limited supplies.
 
Hurricanes occur regularly in Haiti. On average, they happen about 5 times a year. Most hurricanes not only enter Haiti's sphere of influence, but also make landfall. The most impacted regions are South, South-East and Grandans. The hurricane season usually lasts from June to November.

Here are the hurricanes, including tropical storms and depressions that have made direct landfall in Haiti, since 2019:

  • Tropical Depression Humberto (September 2019)
  •  Tropical Storm Laura (August 2020)
  • Tropical Storm Nana (September 2020)
  • Tropical Storm Delta (October 2020)
  • Tropical Storm Eta (October-November 2020)
  • Hurricane Isaias (July-August 2020)
  • Hurricane Iota (November 2020)
  • Hurricane Elsa (June-July 2021)
  • Tropical Storm Grace (August 2021)
  • Hurricane Franklin (August-September 2023)
  • Hurricane Beryl (June-July 2024)
  • Hurricane Oscar (October 2024)
  • Tropical Storm Rafael (November 2024)
  • Tropical Depression Sara ( November 2024)

The most critical hurricane to make landfall in Haiti in the past 12 months was “Beryl.” It reached a wind speed of up to 246 km/h on July 2, 2024, near Anse-à-Pitre and was 102 kilometers in diameter at the time. According to the internationally accepted Saffir-Simpson classification, this corresponded to a category 4 hurricane. On the open sea, speeds of up to 269 km/h were measured (category 5.)

Sometimes - although the hurricane may receive a lower classification - due to other factors, the effects can be just as drastic.

For example, Hurricane Grace, a category 3 hurricane in August 2021, hit just days after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Haiti. It brought rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides, destroying the makeshift shelters of the earthquake survivors.

In conclusion, humanitarian agencies, like CARE, bring to light the dire need for solutions, for Haiti’s future.