Isaac Begins Departure from Haiti

Above: Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe (second from left) and President Michel Martelly (third from left) advising residents on Friday (Photo: OP Haiti)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The worst of Tropical Storm Isaac has passed through Haiti.

The surging storm caused three deaths in the country in its wake, according to initial reports, although that was a far smaller count than it likely could have been given hundreds of thousands of citizens living still living in tent camps due to the 2010 earthquake.

But Isaac did not begin its departure from Haiti without damage, particularly to scores of tents with no protection against the high-intensity winds, and with serious flooding that continued to present a risk.

In a communique issued Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said Toussaint Louverture International Airport had resumed its activities, with flights being gradually reactivated to allow normal travel.

“Haiti is no longer the central concern of Isaac,” Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said in a statement on social media. He said the government demonstrated its “ability to prepare,” not only in Port-au-Prince but across the country.

Haiti had stepped up its storm preparation efforts in the days leading up to Isaac’s arrival, with thousands evacuated from homes and tents, although some declined to do so.

On Friday, Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe visited the inner-city area of Bel-Air in Port-au-Prince to meet with Haitians in the streets and distribute food kits.

First Lady Sophia Martelly also distributed food kits and supplies in the capital.

The First Lady established a mobile clinic in Delmas, including ambulances, to handle potential emergencies.

“When we know that nature can still strike with force, it is imperative to continue to build our capabilities and response to protect Haitians,” Lamothe said.