Tornado hitting Bassin Bleu is an omen of a potentially devastating cyclone season for children in Haiti

Thousands of children and their families may be pushed into poverty in Haiti - a country already crippled by armed violence and a collapsing health system -- as the weather gets more extreme over the summer, UNICEF warned today, after the National Emergency Operations Center announced an "hyperactive" cyclone season, with 23 phenomena, 11 of which could develop into hurricanes, predicted between June and the end of November.

The first tornado of the season already hit Bassin Bleu, in the country's Northwest department, on 21 May, signaling the beginning of some potentially devastating months ahead. According to the Municipal Council for the Management of Risks and Disasters, 112 people, including 29 children, were injured in the disaster. Approximately 4,350 people, including 650 children, lost their homes. Many of them now live in temporary shelters.

"With every cyclone, every tornado, every flood, children will lose their homes, their livelihoods, their lives, and the season has barely started" said Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti. "We support children after every disaster, but support from the international community is essential for us to enhance our preparedness and response capabilities for the worst-case scenarios."

Haiti is prone to extreme weather events, a situation made worse by climate change, and with armed groups controlling key areas and supply routes, first responders and aid groups have found it increasingly hard to react quickly and effectively.   

UNICEF and partners are supporting affected families in Bassin Bleu to recover from the disaster. UNICEF and the Civil Protection Department are distributing cash assistance to the 300 most vulnerable affected families, to ensure their recovery and that they do not sink into further poverty.

As Haiti already declared over 83,000 suspected cases of cholera - over 3,500 of which in the Northwest department - UNICEF distributed hygiene kits and sensitized communities about the importance of clean water and hygiene as well as the risks of waterborne diseases.

To avoid a further collapse of the local health system due to increasing demand and depleting supplies, UNICEF is also supported the local hospital by providing it with medical and nutrition supplies, including ready to use therapeutic food (RUTF) to ensure the continuity of the treatment for children suffering from wasting.

Finally, children aged 3 to 17 will benefit from recreational activities and psychosocial support. Families will be sensitized on the protection of children, as well as against violence and abuse.

Despite transport and humanitarian access constraints due to armed groups controlling key supply routes, UNICEF is also preparing for the season by prepositioning medical and hygiene supplies in strategic locations across Haiti to reduce delivery time when natural disasters hit.