In Haiti, the death toll from Hurricane Matthew has topped 1,000 as the country battles a growing cholera epidemic and authorities dig mass graves for those killed by the Category 4 storm. U.N. officials said nearly 1 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with up to 80 percent of Haiti’s food crops destroyed in some areas. Aid agencies say at least 60,000 people are staying in temporary shelters. Survivors reported drinking well water contaminated by dead livestock. At least 13 people have died of cholera, after floodwaters mixed with sewage. Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S., Paul Altidor, said there are fears of a growing epidemic.
Paul Altidor: “Cholera was an issue that Haiti was dealing with, has been dealing with in the past few years. So, in light of what just took place over the past few days, yes, cholera and other health issues may be on the rise.”
Sunday’s planned presidential election has been postponed indefinitely in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.