“We are going through another catastrophe in Haiti and the worse part is that Ike and Josephine, two other storms, seem to be headed our way. Cyclone Gustave and Hanna have caused over 200 deaths and lots and lots of material losses such as loss of crops, infrastructure and homes,” said Tamara Guerin, President of the YWCA of Haiti.

Another member of the YWCA of Haiti reported that in Gonaives, a city hit by Cyclone Hanna, a woman was forced to give birth on the roof of her house as she tried to stay safe from the floodwaters. Neighbours were seen trying to throw a blanket to her from the rooftops so she could cover her baby.

Media reports from Haiti state that safe drinking water is in short supply and floodwaters are slowing efforts to distribute food to the many in need.

“We will continue to monitor the situation with the YWCA of Haiti as we pray for the people of Haiti, ” said Marie-Claude Julsaint, Programme Director for the Americas and Caribbean.

The developing YWCA, based in the capital of Port-au-Prince was present at the Nairobi World Council in 2007. The YWCA of Haiti works in three priority areas that include health, education and leadership development.