Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Haitians Starving in Hanna Hell

Survivors stranded on rooftops beyond reach of aid workers

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2008 2:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Impoverished Haiti is reeling from the devastation of a series of tropical storms and hurricanes, with refugees starving on rooftops in flood-ravaged areas, reports the Guardian. Faced with washed-out roads and winds too strong for helicopters, UN aide workers are using inflatable boats to reach at least some survivors. The storms have killed 136 in Haiti and left thousands homeless.

Haitians "have been on top of the roofs of their homes over 24 hours now," said a government official. "They have no water, no food and we can't even help them." Tropical Storm Fay hit three weeks ago, followed by Gustav and then Hanna on Tuesday. Hurricane Ike may deal the country yet another blow before heading to the US.

A youth sleeps in a chair on top of a building's roof after Tropical Storm Hanna hit the area in Gonaives, Haiti.
A youth sleeps in a chair on top of a building's roof after Tropical Storm Hanna hit the area in Gonaives, Haiti.   (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A man carries an elderly woman on his back in Gonaives, Haiti, as he walks through a muddy street after Hurricane Hanna made landfall.
A man carries an elderly woman on his back in Gonaives, Haiti, as he walks through a muddy street after Hurricane Hanna made landfall.   (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Haitians ask for aid from Argentine UN peacekeepers as they wade through a flooded street.
Haitians ask for aid from Argentine UN peacekeepers as they wade through a flooded street.   (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Residents receive food from Argentine UN peacekeepers at a Catholic mission.
Residents receive food from Argentine UN peacekeepers at a Catholic mission.   (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

150 UN Haiti Staffers Missing in Rubble

Hurricanes Prompt Calls to Soften Restrictions on Cuba

Hurricanes Smoke Cuban Cigar Biz

Damon, Singer Jean Help in Haiti

Fla. Keys Evacuation Order Canceled


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne