FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - HAITI (30 May)
Heavy rains and flooding in the southern departments of Grande-Anse and Sud in the last days of May have left a number of victims and caused damage to rural housing and infrastructure. Some 560 families in about 20 towns are reported to be affected by the disaster, and many of the towns have remained in isolation. Damage to the agricultural sector is also reported. A detailed assessment of damage has not been made available yet. Harvesting of the 2002/03 first season maize and bean crops was interrupted following the heavy rains. Weeks of dry weather had previously affected the developing crops, and despite the heavy rains, moisture deficits in various degrees are still reported all over the country. Some areas in the north west were particularly hit by the dry spell. Harvesting of the important irrigated paddy crop has started while planting of the rainfed paddy crop has been completed. Prospects are uncertain and slightly below-average outputs are tentatively forecast. Food assistance from the international community continues to be distributed through development projects to some sectors of the population, mainly in the north and northwest.