Anyone doubting whether climate change exists should pay a visit to Haiti. That’s the assessment from Valery Nodem, the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s international associate, who recently visited the country, nearly eight months after Hurricane Matthew.  The Category 4 hurricane struck Haiti on Oct. 4 (2016) packing winds in excess of 145 miles per hour. As many as 1.1 million people were affected by the storm and nearly 600 people are known to have died, but authorities believe the number is likely three times higher. Hundreds of homes, roads and businesses were destroyed.
            “Since the hurricane hit, hundreds of people are still waiting for help to come,” Nodem said. “There are a lot of mountains in the region and support agencies cannot reach some of these rural communities by vehicle. They have to park and then walk to the villages.”  Haiti was still recovering from a 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when Matthew struck, setting recovery back years. And a recent rainy season washed away rebuilding efforts.
            “It’s really hard for them to feel like they are on top of the recovery effort,” Nodem said. “The normal rain they are having now, any kind of rain, is killing people and it is heartbreaking and devastating. The hurricane just happened and the new rain is destroying crops.”  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partners in Haiti to provide seeds so farmers can quickly grow beans and vegetables that don’t require a lot of growing time.

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